THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 
OF CONGREGATIONAL 
CHURCHES OF THE U. S. 





Qass 



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Book ^^5-4 



PRESENTED Wf 




REV. ALONZO H. QUINT, D. D. 
Born 1828 — Died 1896 



m NATIONAL COUNCIL 
OF CONGREGATIONAL 
CHURCHES OF THE 
UNITED STATES ^ ^ ^ 



By Rev. E. LYMAN HOOD, M. A., Ph. D., 

Member American Historical Association 



BOSTON 

XTbe iPtlGtim press 

CHICAGO 



[the UBi^*^l 
[or CONOEMtj 

WASHINOTOHI 






P. 

Author. 

20N*02 



Press of J. J. Arakelyan 

295 Congress St. 

Boston 



PREFACE 

In the memorable trip over sea in July, 1891, on the fated "City 
of Chicago," which bore the delegates of America to the First 
International Council in London, it was my good fortune to oc- 
cupy a stateroom with Rev. Alonzo H. Quint. This privilege 
gave much time for happy converse, which was especially valu- 
ble to me, a young man. The polity of the Congregational 
Churches was our favorite theme. And with the great meeting, 
to which* we both journeyed as delegates, before us, it was nat- 
ural that the Council, its history and function, should have been 
uppermost in our minds. One day, he turned and said in his 
emphatic way, "You should write a history of the National 
Council." My work as Missionary Superintendent for several 
years in the West had indeed kept the polity of the churches ever 
before me. The genial doctor's request was not forgotten. With 
each recurring session since, articles have been prepared by re- 
quest for our acknowledged denominational journals, which have 
received far greater commendation than their merit deserved. At 
the last session, a pamphlet was prepared; and, though a con- 
siderable edition was printed, it was immediately exhausted. Re- 
quests came from men whose judgment commands respect, in 
different parts of the country, that the treatise be amplified. The 
present monograph is the result. 

It has been my purpose to tell the history of the Council as 
much as possible in the language of its own decisions and acts. 
To tell the story as simply as possible and to seek the interpreta- 
tion of its function in the abiding principles of our polity, which 



4 PREFACE 

have governed our churches from the beginning, has been the 
constant aim. To each session go up delegates not present in 
former Councils, anxious, withal, to enter intelligently by sym- 
pathetic knowledge into the work of the assembly. This class, 
especially, has been borne continually in mind. 

With the growing expansion of the nation and the multiplica- 
tion of our churches, there is more and more manifest an earnest 
desire for fellowship. The proverbial "rope of sand" polity will 
no longer endure the strain put upon it by a faith which reaches 
from ocean to ocean, and even to the islands of the sea. Centrip- 
etal forces are in the air. Centralization prevails everywhere. 
The churches have learned by experience that there is strength in 
union. The Council came at a critical time and fulfilled expec- 
tations. It has been accepted as the logical and necessary out- 
come. In it the churches have found a bond of privilege and 
blessing. Already it has vindicated its right to be, and has prac- 
tically overcome all hostile criticism. From its inception, thirty 
years ago, the Council has steadily grown in the favor and con- 
fidence of the churches; and it now seems probable that this 
growth will continue. If so, the Council is destined to exert an 
ever increasing influence. 

It remains for me to express my sense of gratitude to those 
of my older, more experienced brethren, East and West, who 
have encouraged me in the undertaking, and who have kindly 
assisted me by giving invaluable data and counsel. Espe- 
cially must I mention Prof. Addison Van Name, who, as Libra- 
rian of Yale University, is custodian of the priceless library of 
the Rev. H. M. Dexter; also Rev. W. H. Cobb, Librarian of the 
Congregational Library, Boston, both of whom lent their assist- 
ance. 



THE "NEWTOWN" SYNOD 

The First General Convention of the Congregational Churches of 

America, Held in Newtown, Colony Massachusetts, 

August 30 — September 22, 1637. 

Moderators, REV, PETER BULKELEY, 
REV. THOMAS HOOKER. 



THE ** NEWTOWN" SYNOD 

"A synode is a joyning or partaking of the authorite of 
manie churches mette togither in peace, for redresse and 
deciding of matters, which cannot well be otherwise 
taken up," is the unique definition of a council, in the 
first book published in the interests of Congregational- 
ism. This volume, with its long title, so characteristic of 
the age in which it was written — "A Booke which Shew- 
eth the Life and Manners of all True Christians, and how 
unlike they are unto Turkes and Papists, and Heathen 
Folke" was written in 1582 by the founder of our faith 
and practice, Robert Browne, while an exile in Holland. 
This little book of one hundred pages gives in substance 
the present doctrine held by the members of the Pilgrim 
churches. 

Two years later, in another tract, he wrote, "Further- 
more thei particularlie agreed off the manner .... for 
seeking to other churches to have their helpe, being bet- 
ter informed, or to bring them to reformation." In 
these two declarations we find the two great principles 
upon which the Congregational denomination rests. 
Modifications many and radical were to be made from 
time to time; but there has always been a return to the 
primitive faith and practice. The complete independ- 
ency and sovereignty of the local, single church, and, 



8 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

secondly, the fellowship of the several churches as mani- 
fested in conference, having no authority over the con- 
stituent elements, Congregationalists believe to be the 
pattern given in the Scriptures. 

The familiar history of early Independency in Eng- 
land, with all its vicissitudes, need not here be repeated. 
Suffice it to say, the Pilgrims longed toi leave Holland 
and migrate to Virginia, a colony of the Crown. And, 
in order that they might obtain the necessary permission 
and charter, two of their number. Deacon John Carver 
and Robert Cushman, bore to London what are termed 
the "Seven Articles" of their faith and practice. The 
sixth refers to the polity of their struggling churches, 
then only four in number. "Wee beleeve y no sinod, 
classes, convocation or assembly of Ecclesiasticall Offi- 
cers hath any power or awthoryty att all but as ye same 
by ye Magestraet geven unto them." These articles 
were written by John Robinson, the pastor, and Willyam 
Bruster, the ruling elder, of the Church in Leyden. The 
prejudices of the King and his counselors were not en- 
tirely overcome by this confession of their simple faith 
in Christ and willing submission to the King's authority. 
An ambiguous promise that they could go to Virginia, 
and would not be molested so long as they obeyed the 
laws, was all they were able to obtain. With this, how- 
ever, they prepared to cross the stormy sea. Obstacles 
seemed to rise against them. Former friends proved 
false. Financial plans almost innumerable failed. At 
last, less than half the Leyden Church sailed in July, 



THE NEWTOWN SYNOD 9 

1620, for England, where many and vexatious hin- 
drances almost discouraged the strong-hearted among 
them. 

After two unsuccessful attempts to sail, the brave rem- 
nant of the original band finally embarked on one ship. 
Upon sighting land, before leaving the vessel, they en- 
tered into a Compact. The church members were al- 
ready bound by a strict mutual covenant. This compact 
was a civil, not a religious instrument; and yet it was in 
full accord with the spirit of the faith of the Pilgrims. 
Nine years later, when the first Puritan church was or- 
ganized in America, we are not surprised that it was in 
entire agreement with the principles of faith and polity 
cherished and upheld by the Independents. The follow- 
ing is their covenant : "We covenant with the Lord 
and one with another, and doe bynd ourselves 
in the presence of God, to walke together in all 
His waies, according as He is pleased to reveale 
Himself unto us in His blessed Word of Truth." Not 
content with this, they entered into a much more ex- 
plicit covenant seven years afterwards. The sixth article 
of this confession is a positive ratification of the principle 
of fellowship. "Wee bynd our selves to studdy the ad- 
vancement of the Gospell in all truth and peace, both in 
regard to those that are within, or without, noe way 
sleighting our sister churches, but useing theire counsell 
as need shall be." 

The Pilgrims, who were Separatists, led the way to 
America. Those who followed from England in much 



10 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

larger numbers were Puritans, who had no intention of 
leaving the Church of England. Doctrinally, they were 
all stanch Calvinists; but in polity they were very far 
apart. A very considerable element craved greater free- 
dom in both Colony and Church than they had found in 
Massachusetts. These ambitious spirits found full ex- 
ercise for their powers, in 1638, in the exodus from the 
Bay to Connecticut. Thus fully one fourth left the origi- 
nal settlements to found a new State in the wilderness. 
The new colony acted as a safety-valve. Possibly grave 
issues were avoided by the emigration westward. The 
exceedingly erratic, though able, Roger Williams 
aroused intense feeling. So threatening had become the 
antagonism to his indiscriminate condemnation of the 
churches and their toiling pastors, something had to be 
done. As he had not heeded a timely warning, the mag- 
istrates met on October 9, 1635, and the court passed 
the following sentence: "Whereas, Mr. Roger Williams 
. . . . hath broached and dyvulged dyvers newe and 
dangerous opinions, against the aucthoritie of magis- 
trates, as also writt letteres of defamation, both of the 
magistrates and churches here, and that before any con- 
viccon, and yet mainetaineth the same without retrac- 
con, it is therefore ordered, that the said Mr. Williams 
shall dep'te out of this jurisdiccon within sixe weekes 
nowe nexte ensueing." He went to Rhode Island and 
formed the Baptist Church, but long before his death 
renounced it and all communion with the churches. 
Thus ended the life of a man described by Prof. G. P. 



THE NEWTOWN SYNOD ii 

Fisher as "restless, contentious, and precipitate in judg- 
ment and action." 

To this banishment of Williams we may trace influ- 
ences which have left their mark to this day upon Ameri- 
can Congregationalism. Claiming that he was persecuted 
unrighteously, Williams appealed to all the churches. 
In the face of a common danger, the churches were 
quick to seek fellowship. Mutual responsibility and help 
alone could cure the growing evil. This sentiment re- 
sulted in the passing of a law by the General Court of 
Massachusetts in March, 1636, that no association of 
men should be a church "without they shall first ac- 
quainte the magistrates, and the elders of the greater 
p'te of the churches in this jurisdiccon, with their inten- 
cons, and have their approbacon herein." Thus, by law, 
what was essentially a council, composed of church 
members, was necessary in the organization of any 
church. This escape out of a dilemma was never forgot- 
ten. A crisis had been successfully met and safely passed. 
To the people of the Colony the enactment commended 
itself, and it remained no dead letter upon the statute- 
book. Within a month, the Dordihester people pe- 
titioned for the prescribed approval. 

A year before the above action was taken by the Court, 
a family had arrived from England, by the name of 
Hutchinson. The husband and father, William, Win- 
throp has described as "a man of very mild temper and 
weak parts, wholly guided by his wife." She was a wom- 
an of very superior talents, of engaging personality and 



12 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

superabundant ambition. She was warm-hearted, gen- 
erous and impulsive. Skilful in nursing, she ministered 
freely to the sick. A former parishioner of the Rev. John 
Cotton at St. Botolph's in Boston, England, she con- 
tinued his ardent admirer. Religion was the one theme 
of supreme interest, and, undoubtedly with the best in- 
tentions, she invited the women regularly twice a week 
to her home. The gatherings grew in numbers and in- 
fluence. The doctrines and work of the churches were 
more and more freely criticized. Leading men there 
were who encouraged her; but all, high and low, came 
to fear her tongue. She had great antipathy to higher 
education and declared the ministers of the Colony were 
wandering from the true faith, "preaching a covenant of 
works instead of a covenant of grace." Finally, she 
openly claimed the Holy Spirit was revealing to her the 
only true faith. Gov. Henry Vane, and others high 
in the Colony and Church, were her earnest supporters. 
Her following, however, was almost entirely in Boston, 
where a minister branded as "antichrists" all who did not 
accept her views. It was far more than a tempest in a 
teapot. Excitement and feeling ran so high that the civil 
magistrates became thoroughly alarmed. January 19, 
1637, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer be- 
cause of the dissensions. Meetings of pastors had be- 
fore been repeatedly held in the hope of allaying the 
strife. In the following spring, this unfortunate theolog- 
ical controversy was the chief issue of the campaign, 
which resulted in the defeat for reelection of Vane, the 
Hutchinsonian candidate. 



THE NEWTOWN SYNOD 13 

The defeat of "the covenanters of grace" embittered 
them. Something had to be done, and done at once; 
the Colony and the churches were drifting upon the 
rocks. The pastors of the churches not in Boston, re- 
membering the beneficial results of conferences between 
the magistrates and the ministers, now petitioned the 
Court to call a ''synod" constituted of "all the teaching 
elders through the country" and of "messengers from the 
churches." That it might be thoroughly representative, 
"sundry elders were sent for from other jurisdictions." 
In the meantime, Vane had suddenly and unexpectedly 
sailed for England, and the active, influential head of the 
"reformers" had no successor. 

August 30, 1637, in a small frame meeting-house in 
Newtown (now Cambridge), there gathered at the call 
of the Court the first general conference of the Congre- 
gational churches in America. Rev. Peter Bulkeley of 
Concord, New Hampshire, and Rev. Thomas Hooker of 
Hartford, Connecticut, were elected moderators. John 
Higginson was the choice of the body for scribe. The 
personnel of the synod carried great weight with the 
public. During the twenty-four days of the session, 
nearly all the pastors of New England were in attend- 
ance, and an equal number of influential laymen. "Some 
men new come out of England, not yet called to any 
place here," were also invited to sit in the synod. 

The debates were exceedingly earnest, for the Hutch- 
insonian party was ably represented in the persons of 
the Boston delegates, who finally protested, claiming no 



14 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

jurisdiction for the synod, and a few of them left the as- 
sembly, not to return. Upon Rev. John Cotton, the es- 
teemed pastor of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, the odium did 
not lightly fall. "Solemn speeches were made with 
tears/' says Cotton Mather, "lamenting that they should 
in this important matter dissent from a person so vener- 
able and considerable in the country." As the synod 
proceeded, greater unanimity was manifest, until, at the 
last, the result was obtained with few dissenting voices. 
Rev. John Cotton did not sign the declarations, but he 
tacitly accepted them. The doctrines declared false and 
injurious were Antinomian and recalled the abuses of the 
Anabaptists, the radicals of the German Reformation. 
The Hutchinsonian doctrine of perfection was also very 
similar in its spirit to those of the Familists of the seven- 
teenth century, led by David George, who claimed to be 
a second David. Anne Hutchinson taught that "The 
resurrection is not of the body, but is the rising of the 
soul to a new spiritual life, through its union to Christ, 
and that it takes place, therefore, at conversion." Per- 
fect holiness was another tenet of the faith of this Boston 
School, and to support it they used the Scriptures freely. 
It was evident to the members of the synod that Mrs. 
Hutchinson was the soul of the movement. In a sen- 
tence, she is portrayed by Leonard Woolsey Bacon in 
his admirable "History of American Christianity" as "a 
clever woman, with a vast conceit of her superior holi- 
ness, and with the ugly censoriousness which is a usual 
accompaniment of that grace, demonstrating her genius 



THE NEWTOWN SYNOD 15 

for mixing a theological controversy with personal 
jealousies and public anxieties/' 

The Council found as much trouble in stating the 
heresies placed under the ban, as it did in declaring their 
condemnation. "Eighty-two erroneous opinions and 
nine unwholesome expressions" were denounced. Pas- 
sages of the Scriptures, which had been perverted in in- 
terpretation, were cited, and their true meaning stated. 
It was also declared that disputes in and around the 
church edifice after services ''by private members" were 
unjustifiable. Church members who did not respond 
and obey the summons of the Church might be pro- 
ceeded against though absent. Finally, members who 
did not agree with their own churches in matters of doc- 
trine should not be granted letters of dismission to other 
churches. Meetings solely for women, addressed by 
women on doctrinal matters, were declared to be unwise 
and inexpedient. 

The Colonial officials were as much pleased with the 
outcome of the synod as the members of the churches. 
It had brought peace and quietness to distracted com- 
munities. The government paid all the expenses of the 
synod, including board and traveling. Governor Win- 
throp proposed that the synod convene annually. This 
was favored by some of the ministers; but, for reasons 
unknown to us, it was never acted upon. It would have 
been a long step indeed toward Presbyterianism. An- 
other suggestion also made was, that the synod express 
its desires as to the best methods for providing regular 



i6 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

stipends for the clergy. This, also, received no favorable 
actfon, "lest it should be said that this assembly was 
gathered for their private advantage." 

Upon the dissolution of the council, a few seemed de- 
termined to continue the undesirable controversy. And 
the Court in the following month, after trial, banished 
Mrs. Anne Hutchinson and her relative, the Rev. John 
Wheelwright. He went to the frontier in New Hamp- 
shire ; she, with her family and a score of sympathizers, to 
Rhode Island. Five years from the time of banishment, 
having gone to the Dutch settlement on Manhattan Is- 
land, she and her family were murdered by the Mohawk 
Indians, where New York city now stands. Uncon- 
sciously, she had called into practice a principle, that of 
fellowship, which was to be a corner-stone in the build- 
ing up of a great church. 



THE "CAMBRIDGE" SYNOD 

The Second General Council of the Congregational Churches in 

America, Held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 

September 1, 1646 — August 25, 1648. 

Moderators, 

Preachers, REV. EZEKIEL ROGERS, 
REV. JOHN ALLIN. 



THE ** CAMBRIDGE" SYNOD 

Robert Browne, the protagonist of modern Congre- 
gationalism, recognized fully the principle of church fel- 
lowship, ''that since all local churches belong to the one 
family of the Lord, they necessarily owe to each other 
sisterly affection and activity." This eminently demo- 
cratic and yet helpful spirit of the one church to the 
other suffered for a time an eclipse. Barrowe inculcated 
very decided Presbyterian tendencies. But these Bar- 
rowist churches did not increase rapidly. Dexter has 
told us, "When the Mayflower sailed, in all probability, 
there could not have been in existence more than three 
Barrowist churches besides that at Leyden." Henry 
Jacob, a noble soul, had gone out of the Established 
Church, and eventually, had organized in Southwark, 
London, in 1616, the strictly people's church which is 
now the mother church of the thousands bearing the 
name Congregational in the British Isles. At the 
time, 1637, of the first general synod in the Colonies, 
the leaven of this Southwark organization was working, 
but not many others of the same ecclesiastical polity 
had as yet been formed. 

For a time after the sailing of the Plymouth Pilgrims, 
social and political conditions in England impelled large 
emigration to America. The Puritans, however, rather 



20 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

than the Pilgrims were in the majority. Thus, in doc- 
trine, the early settlers were united. They were all Cal- 
vinists. But in their views as to the true polity of the 
church, they differed widely among themselves. Con- 
sequently, there was an earnest desire to bring about 
harmony, not so much in faith, for as to that they were 
agreed, but in the proper forms of organization for the 
churches. The "covenants" adopted in this period, by 
the several churches, throw much light upon these efforts 
to insure harmony. They were not unmindful of the duty 
they owed one to the other in each church, as the cove- 
nant of the Salem people proves : "Wee promise to 
walke with our brethren and sisters in this Congrega- 
tion with all watchfullness and tenderness, avoyding all 
jelousies, suspitions, backbyteings, censurings, provoak- 
ings, secret risings of spirite against them." With 
equal ardor they sought fellowship among the several 
churches. The members of these churches had left the 
mother country more as Nonconformists than Separa- 
tists, and they remembered the strength of the Estab- 
lishment in spite of the many evils of a State Church. 

When the early churches came to be organized in 
America, however, the Pilgrim church at Plymouth was 
the pattern generally adopted. The Colonists tried 
to conserve the many commendable features of the 
churches from which they had come, and yet make sure 
of the liberty which they craved. We have seen that 
tlie pure Congregational type was not making much 
headway just at this time in England. Whatever this 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 21 

polity might be in theory, it did not offer success in 
practice. Presbyterianism, in other words, promised to 
gather to itself all protesting elements. Leaders in 
Great Britain, conscious of the trend among themselves, 
looked with amazement and evident concern upon the 
opposing tendencies which prevailed in America. In 
1636, this unrest had found expression in "A Letter of 
Many Ministers in Old England, requesting the Judg- 
ment of their reverend Brethren in New England con- 
cerning Nine Positions." These inquiries all referred 
to church polity and forms of worship. In due time, 
at the request of the ministers of the Colonies and in 
their behalf, Rev. John Davenport, pastor in New 
Haven, answered their inquiries very fully. No doubt, 
to a degree he disarmed their criticism and allayed their 
fears. But the answer called forth a rejoinder from the 
English brethren in 1640, written by one Rev. John 
Ball. A reply was also' made to this by two of the min- 
isters of New England. 

About the time the "Nine Positions" were forwarded 
to the colonists by the Puritans of Old England, an- 
other much longer and more comprehensive treatise was 
sent, entitled, "Thirty-two Questions," dealing with al- 
most every phase of faith and practice. A learned and 
exhaustive reply was returned to England, written by 
Rev. Richard Mather. In 1843, together with writings of 
similar character, it was printed in London. This was the 
date of the calling of the Westminster Assembly, without 
the approval of the King, Charles I. The infamous 



22 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

regime of William Laud, the King's favorite, embittered 
many against the crown. The Scotch had arisen in the 
^'Solemn League and Covenant" to protect their cher- 
ished faith. The Star Chamber and its darksome deeds 
were renounced. In July of the preceding year, 1642, 
Parliament had appointed the Committee on Public 
Safety and called out the militia. Soon the entire coun- 
try was ablaze with civil war. The next step, Parlia- 
ment united with the Scots in the League and Cove- 
nant, and uniformity in religion was established in Eng- 
land, Ireland and Scotland. But it was the Presbyte- 
rian form which was thus established by law. Two 
thousand Episcopalian rectors, who refused to subscribe, 
were deprived of their livings or pastorates. Parliament 
did not give up its control of the churches of the land, 
though a system had been entrenched which recognized 
no bishop. At no time since the first coming of the Pil- 
grims to America were the issues of the churches on 
this side of the sea so wrapped up in the destiny of those 
in the old country. It is simply impossible to intelli- 
gently comprehend the trend of events in the colonies 
at this period without following the course of history 
in England. 

The Roundheads, or Puritans, continued to gain in 
the war with the King. The Independents, under the 
leadership of that sagacious genius, Oliver Cromwell, 
were soon in control of the army, and at Marston Moor 
in a pitched battle in 1644, the Royalists were routed. 
In 1646, Charles surrendered; the following year, the 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 23 

army took the King into custody. Subsequently he was 
tried, condemned, and beheaded January 30, 1649. Eng- 
land was a free Commonwealth governed by the House 
of Commons. Independency had triumphed over all her 
enemies. But just what form this was to take in the 
churches, and what the ecclesiastical influence was to 
be upon the American colonies, was yet to be deter- 
mined. 

In the church in Newbury, Massachusetts, where 
Thomas Parker and James Noyes were respectively pas- 
tor and teacher, serious trouble arose because their spirit- 
ual guides determined to assume more power than the 
members felt was just or right in a Congregational 
church. Remembering the beneficial results of consulta- 
tion in the past few years in the Colony, a conference of 
the ministers was called to meet in Newtown, or Cam- 
bridge. How it was called, or by whom, we do not know. 
But on September 4, 1643, about fifty of the pastors 
gathered in the recently erected college building. The 
conference was not of a synodical character, in that the 
lay element was in no wise represented. Rev. John Cot- 
ton and Rev. Thomas Hooker were elected moderators. 
No official deliverance was made known, but certain 
resolutions were adopted expressing the conviction that 
in the business meetings of the local church, the votes of 
the laity were essential in admitting or excluding mem- 
bers ; that stated conferences were necessary. Or, as it was 
defined by an eye-witness and probable participant, 
"That consociation of churches, in way of more general 



24 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

meetings, yearly; and more privately, monthly or quar- 
terly ; as consultative synods ; are very comfortable and 
necessary for the peace and good of the churches." 
The deliberations of this informal conference were com- 
municated to the distracted Newbury church ; but, unfor- 
tunately, with no apparent results. The trouble con- 
tinued as before. 

Nor was the unrest confined to the one church in 
Newbury. All the churches in the colonies were more 
or less disturbed by the disquieting influences con- 
stantly emanating from Old England. Something had 
to be done. Twenty-two months after the above min- 
isterial conference was held, another convened at the 
same place as before. Nearly all the ministers of the 
colonies were present. At their request. Rev. Thomas 
Hooker of Hartford had prepared for approval "A Sur- 
vey of the Summe of Church Discipline." It deals en- 
tirely with polity : "The church is totum essentiale, is, and 
may be before officers. There is no presbyteriall church 
(i.e. a church made up of the elders of many congrega- 
tions appointed classickwise, to rule all those congrega- 
tions) in the New Testament. Consociation of churches 
should be used, as occasion doth require. Such con- 
sociations and synods have allowance to counsell and 
admonish other churches, as the case may require. And 
if they grow obstinate in errour or sinfuU miscarriages, 
they should renounce the right hand of fellowship with 
them. But they have no power to excommunicate. 
Nor do their constitutions binde formaliter and juridice." 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 25 

At the time of which we now write (the close of the 
second quarter of the seventeenth century) the popula- 
tion of the Massacht^etts Colony was fifteen thousand. 
But only 1708 had become citizens. Some of those who 
had not been able to comply fully with the prescribed 
provisions in order to obtain the rights of suffrage were 
among the influential men of the Bay region. Appeals 
were sent by such to the authorities in England seek- 
ing redress. If citizenship was to depend upon member- 
ship in the church, and membership in the church was 
to be conditioned by the polity of the church, and the 
standing of the church was to be defined in part by its 
relation to other churches, it was evident that these 
various questions should be authoritatively settled at 
once. Prof. Walker, in speaking of the period and its 
problems, says, "There was no standard by which the 
relations of one church to another could be determined ; 
none which decided whether a certain course of action 
was Congregational or not. Whether the creation of 
such a standard was strictly in accordance with the origi- 
nal principles of Congregationalism may be questioned : 
but there can be no doubt that it was a logical and nec- 
essary step in development if Congregationalism was to, 
be enforced by the civil government as an exclusive 
polity.'' 

When, therefore, a number of the ministers of the 
Bay petitioned the General Court at its meeting in May, 
1646, to issue a call to the churches to assemble by their 
representatives in a synod, the request met with almost 



2(y THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

universal approval in the churches. The prayer of the 
petitioners was granted and the call issued. Outside 
of the churches, however, criticism was keen and out- 
spoken. In the Court itself, there was not full unanimity 
of opinion. The magistrates, all along in sympathy with 
the ministers, had no scruples. But some of the depu- 
ties challenged the right of the Court to command the 
churches; and the original order was reconsidered and 
modified. Passed in its final form, the churches were 
invited to convene a synod. 

The call issued by the Court is an interesting docu- 
ment indeed, because it photographs the prevailing state 
of tTie church. It is far too long to quote entire, but its 
substance is as follows : "That there be a public assembly 
of the elders and other messengers of the severall 
churches within this jurisdiction, who may come to- 
gether and meete at Cambridge, upon the first day of 
September now next ensueing, then to discusse, dispute, 
and clear up by the word of God, such questions of 
church government and discipline in ye things afore- 
mentioned, or any other, as they shall thinke need- 
full and meete, and to continue so doing till they, or 
the major part of them, shall have agreed and con- 
sented upon one forme of government and discipline, 
for the maine and substantiall pts therof, as that which 
they judge agreeable to the Holy Scriptures." 

When the synod was called to order, it was found 
that, with the exception of four, all the twenty-nine 
churches of Massachusetts were represented. The twen- 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 27 

ty-two churches in Plymouth, Connecticut and New 
Haven also approved of the synod and were repre- 
sented in most cases by delegates. Opposition to the 
synod was confined almost wholly to the Boston church, 
which dicussed for two weeks the propriety of sending 
representatives. Finally, Wilson and Cotton went, say- 
ing, "They thought it their duty to go notwithstanding, 
not as sent by the church, but as specially called by the 
order of the court." Later, the church voted, "that the 
elders and three of the brethren should be sent as mes- 
sengers." 

Two questions received the attention of the synod : 
first, the authority of the civil magistrates and the rela- 
tion of the churches to the Court ; second, the character 
and^ function of the synod. That the problems before 
the council might be the more thoroughly presented. 
Revs. John Cotton of Boston, Richard Mather of Dor- 
chester, John Norton of Ipswich and Ralph Partridge 
of Duxbury were each requested to prepare "a model of 
church government." This done, after sitting fourteen 
days, the synod adjourned to June 8, 1647. 

The synod convened pursuant to appointment. The 
interest was sustained and the attendance good, though 
an epidemic, which soon compelled adjournment, was 
spreading. An episode of the meeting was a sermon 
preached on the opening day by Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, 
in which he denounced the brethren and repudiated the 
synod. In the afternoon "Eliot preached to the Indians 
in their own language before all the assembly." 



28 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Meanwhile, as we have seen, the political trend in 
England was much in favor of the Independent churches 
in the American colonies. And, what was of more im- 
portance. New England was to be left to work out her 
own destiny, politically and ecclesiastically, without in- 
terference from the mother country. In the interval the 
synod had grown in popular estimation and was to be 
given a larger place. Since its first session the Gen- 
eral Court had made a further request of the Council, 
namely, that a form of church government be drawn 
up. The Court made another at its session, Octo- 
ber 27, 1647, 2.nd invited the synod to prepare a con- 
fession of faith : ''This court conceiving that it is as fully 
meet to set forth a confession of the faith we do profess 
touching the doctrinal point of religion also; we do de- 
sire, therefore, these reverent elders to take some pains 
each of them to prepare a brief form of this nature." 

Before the final session of this second synod began, 
August 15, 1648, copies of the Westminster Confession 
of Faith had been received from England. It was re- 
ceived with commendation in most church circles. The 
Synod accepted it gladly as a fitting expression of the 
faith doctrinally of the churches, "we do judge it to be 
very holy, orthodox, and judicious in all matters of faith ; 
and do therefore freely and fully consent thereunto, for 
the substance thereof." 

Two drafts at least of church polity, requested to 
be made by the Court, were presented. That prepared 
by Rev. Richard Mather, the learned minister of Dor- 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 29 

Chester, was preferred; though certain features of an- 
other plan, written by Rev. Ralph Partridge, were incor- 
porated finally. The latter, in some respects, is more 
nearly like the polity of the churches in vogue at pres- 
ent. He would not give so much power to the civil 
magistrates, but retain greater independence for the 
churches. A preface, filling nine pages, written by Rev. 
John Cotton of Boston, was adopted. It thus begins : 
"The setting forth of the publick confession of the faith 
of churches hath a double end, and both tending to pub- 
lic edification. First, by maintenance of the faith entire 
within itself, secondly, the holding forth of unity and 
harmony, both amongst, and with other churches." 

This instrument, since known as the "Cambridge Plat- 
form," in addition to the above preface defending the 
orthodoxy of the New England churches, contains sev- 
enteen chapters. The first four deal with the form of 
church government, that prescribed in the Word of God 
being declared Congregational. The fifth chapter re- 
flects Barrowism, stating that the authority is vested in 
the elders who are elected by the people. The sixth 
defines the offices of pastor and deacon ; the seventh 
explains their responsibilities and prerogatives. The 
eighth shows the proper methods of election of offi- 
cers; the ninth the manner of their ordination. The 
tenth defines the relations existing between pastor and 
people. The eleventh chapter has to do with the finan- 
cial support of the church. The twelfth to the four- 
teenth inclusive refer to the admission, trial and dis- 



30 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

mission of church members. The fifteenth begins : "Ail- 
though churches be distinct, and therefore may not be 
confounded one with another; and equal!, and therefore 
have not dominion one over another ; yet all the churches 
ought to preserve church communion one with another, 
because they are all united unto Christ, not only as a 
mysticall, 'but as a political head : whence is derived a 
communion suitable therunto." This division of the 
Platform goes on to state that the fellowship of the 
churches is exercised in sundry ways, — "by way of mu- 
tual! care," "by way of consultation one with another, 
when we have occasion to require the judgment and 
counsel! of other churches," etc., "by way of admonition" 
and "by way of participation." The sixteenth chapter 
defines the character and function of the synod : 

Synods orderly assembled, & rightly proceeding according to 
the pattern, Acts 15. we aclcnowledg as the ordinance of Christ: 
(Acts 15. 2. to. 15.) & though not absolutely necessary to the 
being, yet many times, tlirough the iniquity of men, & pervers- 
ness of times, necessary to the wel-being of churches, for the es- 
tablishment of truth, & peace therin. 

2 Synods being spiritual! & ecclesiastical! assemblyes, are 
therfore made up of spiritual! & ecclesiastical! causes. The 
next efficient cause of them under Christ, is the powr of the 
cliurches, sending forth their Elders, [&] other messengers ; who 
being mett together in the name of Christ (Acts 15. 2, 3), are 
the matter of a Synod; & they in argueing (vers. 6.), debating & 
determining matters of religion according to the word (vers. 7 to 
23), & publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth, 
doe put forth the proper & formal! acts of a Synod; to the con- 
viction of errours (vers. 31.), & heresyes, & the establishment of 
truth & peace in the Churches (Acts 16. 4. 15), which is the end 
of a Synod. 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 31 

3 Magistrates, have powr to call a Synod, by calling to the 
Churches to send forth their Elders & other messengers (2 Chron 
29. 4. 5. to II.), to counsel & assist them in matters of re- 
ligion: but yett the constituting of a Synod, is a church act, & 
may be transacted by the churches (Acts 15.), even when civil 
magistrates may be enemyes to churches and to church assem- 
blyes. 

4 It belongeth unto Synods & Counsels, to debate & deter- 
mine controversies of faith, & cases of conscience (Acts 15. i. 2. 
6. 7. I Chro 15. 13.;) to cleare from the word holy directions for 
the holy worship of God, & good government of the church; to 
beare witness against mal-administration & [27] Corruption in 
doctrine or manners in any particular Church, & to give directions 
for the reformation therof (2 Chron 29: 6, 7. Acts 15. 24 vers 
28, 29.) : Not to exercise Church-censures in way of discipline, 
nor any other act of church-authority or jurisdiction: which- that 
presidentiall Synod did forbeare. 

5 The Synods directions & determinations, so farr as conso- 
nant to the word of God, are to be received with reverence & sub- 
mission; not only for their agreement therwith (which is the 
principall ground therof, & without which they bind not at all:) 
(Acts 15.) but also secondarily, for the powr wherby they are 
made, as being an ordinance of God appointed therunto in his 
word. 

6 Because it is difficult, if not impossible, for many churches 
to com altogether in one place, in all their members universally: 
therfore th^y may assemble by their delegates or messengers, as 
the church of Antioch went not all to Jerusalem (Acts 15, 2), 
but some select men for that purpose. Because none are or 
should be more fitt to know the state of the churches, nor to ad- 
vise of wayes for the good therof then Elders; therfore it is fitt 
that in the choice of the messengers for such assemblies, they have 
special respect unto such. Yet in as much as not only Paul & 
Barnabas, but certayn others also were sent to Jerusalem from 
Antioch. (Acts 15 : 2. vers 22, 23) & when they were come to 
Jerusalem, not only the Apostles & Elders, but other brethren 
also doe assemble, & meet about the matter; therfore Synods are 
to consist both of Elders, & other church*- members, endued with 
gifts, & sent by the churches, not excluding the presence of any 
brethren in the churches. 



Z2 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The seventeenth and last treats of the relation of the 
churches to the civil magistrates and the power of the 
latter, which should be exercised, if need be, to punish 
idolatry, heresy and blasphemy. 

Thus closed the most important single deliverance of 
any general convention of the Congregational churches 
in America. After the experience of almost a genera- 
tion, this declaration defines more fully than it had ever 
been elucidated before, the faith and practice of our 
churches. It remained the standard for one hundred 
and thirty years. And in spite of the long lapse of time 
it still voices in principle the belief of the Pilgrim 
churches of America. 

This session had been characterized by marked cor- 
diality of feeling and unanimity of opinion. As at the 
last session the brethren listened to a sermon, this time 
one was preached by Rev. John Allin of Dedham. It 
was an expository sermon on the fifteenth chapter of the 
Acts and explained the character of church synods. 
Winthrop declared the effort to be "very godly, learned 
and particular." The work for which they had assem- 
bled having been done, a parting hymn was sung and 
the session was declared dissolved. 

The "Platform" thus framed was soon printed in Cam- 
bridge, and at the October session of the Court sub- 
mitted to the magistrates. Their caution is indicated in 
the action by them, referring the Platform back to the 
several churches for approval. The following year, the 
Court having heard evidently from few if any of the 



THE CAMBRIDGE SYNOD 33 

churches, again urges its consideration by them. In 
May, 1 65 1, the synod was duly thanked for its labors; 
but as sundry objections had been received by the Court, 
they were submitted to the ministers to answer. Rev. 
Richard Mather drew up this reply, which was approved 
by all the ministers and submitted to the Court, which 
at its session in October, 165 1, over five years after the 
calling of the synod, officially accepted the declaration 
and commended it to all the churches. "Whereas this 
Court did, in the year 1646, give encouragement for an 
assembly of the messengers of the churches in a synod, 
and did desire their help to draw up a confession of the 
faith and discipline of the churches, according to the 
Word of God. . . . the Court do thankfully acknowledge 
their learned pains therein, and account themselves 
called of God to give their testimony to the said book of 
discipline, that for the substance thereof it is that we 
have practiced and do believe." 

The synod had done for the churches, scattered 
through the colonies, what they were powerless to do 
for themselves singly and alone. At a time of threatened 
dissension, unity had been promoted and the truth indi- 
cated. The cardinal principles of the denomination had 
not only been clearly enunciated but also put into ef- 
ficient practice. It was a conference without compulsion, 
and yet leadership was freely accorded to its almost 
unanimous action. It is to be noted in passing, that in 
our day the objections to the National Council are owing 
to the fact that they impute to the triennial conference 



34 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Presbyterian tendencies. In the seventeenth century, 
however, it was the bulwark which saved the day for 
pure CongregationaHsm, against advancing Presbyteri- 
anism. 



THE "ALBANY" CONVENTION 

The Third General Convention of the Congregational Churches of 

America, Held in Albany, New York, October 

5 — 8, 1852. 

Moderator, REV. T. W. D WIGHT. 
Secretary, REV. R. S. STORRS. 



THE ** ALBANY" CONVENTION 

There had been generations of Congregationalists, 
but, strange as it may appear, no Congregationalism. So 
long as the churches of the Pilgrim faith were confined 
to a comparatively narrow strip of country, parallel to 
the Atlantic coast, the isolation of the local church as the 
result of its polity was not disastrous. Now, however, 
the time had come when the methods of the past proved 
impotent. The sons and daughters of New England had 
crossed the Hudson, were settling the great Middle 
States, and were penetrating to the almost unknown be- 
yonds of the vast plains westward. They were children 
who took the religion of their fathers with them, and 
were zealous in building up the walls of Zion. But dif- 
ficulties were at once apparent. 

For many, many years, the tendency in New England, 
and especially in Connecticut, had been toward decen- 
tralization. No general assembly of Congregational 
churches was held in the eighteenth century. Ecclesias- 
tically, as well as politically, local independency was em- 
phasized. A change in the tide came, however, and with 
the gradual expansion of the New England settlements, 
the desire for united effort became more manifest. The 
fear that Episcopacy would be established throughout 
the colonies by the Crown, had led the Independent and 



38 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Presbyterian churches even before the Revolution to 
meet by their representatives in annual joint convention. 
The Synods of New York and Philadelphia thus met 
with the Association of Connecticut. It was, therefore, 
more the dread of a common enemy than real love they 
bore each other, which brought them together. "This 
body met from 1766 to 1775, corresponded with Dissent- 
ers in England, collected the ecclesiastical legislation of 
the Colonies, tried to ascertain the religious preferences 
of their inhabitants, and sought the union of the non- 
prelatical churches in opposition to encroachment." In 
these love-feasts Congregationalists and Presbyterians 
were brought more closely together. Even the General 
Association of Connecticut voted in 1805 to "publish a 
new and elegant edition of the ecclesiastical constitution 
of the Presbyterian Church." 

The first Congregational missionary society in Ameri- 
ca had been organized in 1798, "to christianize the 
heathen in North America, and to support and promote 
Christian knowledge in the new settlements within the 
United States." On the mission fields of the West very 
different conditions prevailed from those in Connecticut. 
Intercommunication became constant. So far back as 
1790, the Connecticut Association had voted that a more 
intimate union with Presbyterians was desirable. Two 
years later, union was to a degree consummated, three 
Presbyterian delegates taking seats in the Association, 
and the same number from Connecticut were accorded 
identical privileges in the General Assembly. The rep- 



THE ALBANY CONVENTION 39 

resentatives in each body were given full voting privi- 
leges. Some "plan of union" in missionary eflfort was a 
natural outcome. This was brought about in 1801. For 
only a short time did the "plan" work smoothly. Both 
denominations had entered into the compact in good 
faith, with apparently no thought of deriving unfair 
advantage. We now, however, look back over the years 
and marvel at their short-sightedness. They seem 
not to have apprehended that the outlying regions to 
the West would ever develop. They expected the strug- 
gling missionary churches to remain weak and depend- 
ent. 

Dissatisfaction with the "plan" grew. The Presby- 
terians were afraid of the doctrinal influences of the Con- 
gregationalists ; and the latter were learning by bitter ex- 
perience that the stronger organization of the former 
crushed out Congregational polity. How little we can 
appreciate the height of feeling now! Yet this very 
question rent the General Assembly in twain. In May, 
1835, ^ special convention was held in Pittsburg, attended 
by delegates from fifty-four presbyteries. In the General 
Assembly of the succeeding year, a resolution was 
passed, favoring a discontinuance of the "plan." In 
1837, the crisis came in the Presbyterian Church. It was 
voted "that the Act of the Assembly of 1801, entitled a 
'Plan of Union,' be, and the same is hereby abrogated." 
Presbyteries which favored the heretical doctrines of 
the New England theology were "excluded." The Pres- 
byterian Church was rent asunder; and the next year 



40 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

saw two bodies, each claiming to be the General Assem- 
bly. The "New School" wing still held to the "Plan of 
Union." 

The strife within the Presbyterian ranks reacted upon 
the Congregational churches. The latter began to real- 
ize a certain self-consciousness. Doctrinally, as well as 
in practice, Congregationalists became more and more 
convinced that they were distinct and that the evident 
distinction demanded separation. Freedom had to be 
obtained at any price. Our pastors had virtually been 
forced to become members of Presbytery; and Con- 
gregational churches, though they had power to vote 
themselves into presbytery, had no adequate power to 
get out when once in. 

A great cry over a little wool, it all seems, until one 
takes up the question seriously in study : "What was the 
all-sufficient influence that made possible the calling of 
the first general synod of the Congregational churches 
in America for more than two hundred years?" Yes, 
they did make a mountain out of a mole-hill ; and yet tre- 
mendous issues were at stake. And they knew it. Must 
the polity of the Pilgrims be hedged in in the New Eng- 
land States? If not, it must be free, if the churches are 
to expand and bless a continent. Gillett, in his "His- 
tory of the Presbyterian Church" concedes the great 
gains which had come because of the decided advantage 
acquired and held. Rev. A. Hastings Ross — and we 
have no better authority — places the loss to Congrega- 
tionalism, because of the long existence of the compact, 



THE ALBANY CONVENTION 41 

at more than two thousand churches. It was yet to be 
conclusively proved whether Congregationalism could 
bear transplanting. A trial, at least, must be made. 

Therefore the General Association of New York is- 
sued a call for "a convention of ministers and delegates 
of the Congregational churches of the United States." 
The response was remarkably hearty and gratifying. If 
anything were needed to prove the widespread desire for 
denominational freedomi and autonomy, this result was 
sufficient. From seventeen states four hundred and sixty- 
three delegates (it is to be noticed, so great was the in- 
terest that the attendance was much larger than in any 
one of the recent sessions) met in "convention" in Al- 
bany, October 5, 1852. At no subsequent national gath- 
ering have so large a proportion of the real leaders of 
the denomination been present. If so much space had 
not already been employed in leading up to the 
meeting, we could dwell with profit upon the personnel 
of this memorable gathering. 

Rev. Leonard Bacon, as chairman of the Business 
Committee, before convening, had sent circulars, an- 
nouncing the main purport of the assembly : — 

"i. The construction and practical operation of the 
'Plan of Union between Presbyterians and Congrega- 
tionalists' agreed upon by the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church and the General Association of 
Connecticut, in 1801. 

"2. The building of church edifices in the West. 

"3. The system and operation of the American Home 
Missionary Society. 



42 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

"4. The intercourse between the Congregationalists 
of New England and those of other states. 

"5. The local work and responsibility of a Congre- 
gational church. 

"6. The bringing forward of candidates for the min- 
istry. 

"7. The republication of the works of our standard 
theological writers." 

This well considered and definite aim of the commit- 
tee was closely followed. The separate problems pro- 
pounded were referred, each to a committee. The "Plan 
of Union" was turned over to a committee of ten, "two 
from New England, and one from each state repre- 
sented," save Oregon and the District of Columbia. The 
debate was very free and full. It is reported quite fully 
in the Minutes, and in that respect we can now follow 
this convention more accurately than the recent sessions, 
as the discussions can no longer be printed in the pro- 
ceedings of the Council. 

The unanimous result attained is indicated in the fol- 
lowing resolutions adopted: — 

"Whereas, the Plan of Union formed in 1801, by the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and the 
General Association of Connecticut, is understood to 
have been repudiated by the said Assembly before the 
schism in that body of 1838, though this year acknowl- 
edged as still in force by the General Assembly which 
met last in Washington, D. C; and 

"Whereas, many of our Presbyterian brethren, though 



THE ALBANY CONVENTION 43 

adhering to this Plan in some of its provisions, do not, 
it is believed, maintain it in its integrity; especially in 
virtually requiring Congregational ministers settled over 
Presbyterian churches and Congregational churches 
having Presbyterian ministers, to be connected with 
Presbyteries ; and, 

"Whereas, whatever mutual advantage has formerly 
resulted from this Plan to the two denominations, and 
whatever might yet result from it if acted upon impar- 
tially, its operation is now unfavorable to the spread and 
permanence of the Congregational polity, and even to 
the real harmony of these Christian communities ; — 

"Resolved, i. That in the judgment of this convention 
it is not deemed expedient that new Congregational 
churches, or churches heretofore independent, become 
connected with Presbyteries. 

"2. That in the evident disuse of the said Plan, accord- 
ing to its original design, we deem it important, and for 
the purpose of union sufficient, that Congregationalists 
and Presbyterians exercise toward each other that spirit 
of love which the Gospel requires, and that their com- 
mon faith is fitted to cherish; that they accord to each 
other the right of pre-occupancy, where but one church 
can be maintained; and that, in the formation of such a 
church, its ecclesiastical character and relations be de- 
termined by a majority of its members. 

^'3. That in respect to those Congregational churches 
which are now connected with Presbyteries, — either on 
the above mentioned plan, or on those of 1808 and 1813, 



44 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

between Congregational and Presbyterian bodies in the 
State of New York, — while we would not have them 
violently sever their existing relations, we counsel them 
to maintain vigilantly the Congregational privileges 
which have been guaranteed them by the Plans above 
mentioned, and to see to it that while they remain con- 
nected with Presbyteries, the true intent of those origi- 
nal arrangements be impartially carried out." 

For a long time there had been growing a sense of 
dvision between the East and the West. Both sides 
were to blame. The East showed a surprising lack of 
charity in their consideration of the spirit and purposes of 
the younger and more aggressive brethren in the newer 
States. The West was restless under the least restraint 
in doctrine or polity and did not have the considerate re- 
gard for the conservatism of New England that wisdom 
would seem to inculcate at all times. Were the faith, 
practice and traditions of the fathers to be perpetuated 
by the sons in the enlarging empires of the West? Or 
was it inevitable that Congregationalism must be di- 
vided into East and West, as other communions had 
been divided North and South? This was a most mo- 
mentous situation which confronted the convention. 
We, to-day, enter into the inheritance vouchsafed by the 
skill, candor and faith with which the delicate matter 
was treated and settled. Resolutions which received 
the hearty support of both New England and Western 
delegates were passed, urging a more intimate acquaint- 
ance and a closer fellowship between the Eastern and 



THE ALBANY CONVENTION 45 

Western churches, and discountenancing charges often 
unadvisedly made in the older communities against the 
doctrinal belief and churchly practice of the West 

After such a manifestation of genuine love and loyalty, 
it was natural that the feeling should take some prac- 
tical form. A call was issued for fifty thousand dollars 
with which to provide a fund for the assistance of the 
churches in the West in the erection of needed buildings. 
The response was cordial and exceeded the most san- 
guine expectations at the time; $61,891 was sent in, and 
in due time wisely distributed. 

It is no wonder that students of our church polity look 
upon the Albany Convention as a golden mile-stone in 
our history. A crisis was at the time reached and safely 
passed. The need of united effort was never more keenly 
felt; nor was union in heart and purpose ever more mani- 
fest. Had the Albany Convention failed ignominiously, 
there would have been scarcely a possibility of a Nation- 
al Council in subsequent years. Williston Walker, in 
"Creeds and Platforms of Congregationalism," that vade 
mecum of all Congregational churchmen, says, "From 
the meeting of the Albany Convention there has been 
growing sympathy between all branches of Congrega- 
tionalism, East and West, and a growing self-respect and 
confidence in its own right to be." 

Rev. T. W. Dwight, of Maine, had been chosen to pre- 
side over the deliberations of the body, and with gracious 
dignity did he perform his honored part. Rev. Noah Por- 
ter, of Connecticut, and Rev. Asa Turner, of Iowa, were 



46 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

elected Vice-presidents. Revs. R. S. Storrs, of Brooklyn, 
and John C. Holbrook were secretaries. So high was 
the standard set that the meeting has given the model to 
all succeeding national conventions. Out of its candid de- 
liberations and helpful fellowship sprang the Congrega- 
tional Church Building Society, the Year Book, and the 
Congregational Library Association. The administra- 
tions of the foreign and home missionary societies re- 
ceived pledges of friendship and support which have 
never been renounced, and an impetus that has never 
been lost. The time of its meeting was most opportune 
and happy. Yet in reviewing our denominational press 
«of the day, we see with what bitter and intemperate criti- 
cism the holding of the convention was assailed. Some 
good brethren in the Lord Verily believed that the peace 
and independency of the churches would be forever lost. 
The convention was duly held, the business before it was 
transacted and the body dissolved. Congregationalism, 
JEast and West, was united and still free. 



THE "BOSTON " COUNCIL 

The Fourth General Convention of the Congregational Churches of 

America, Held in Boston, Massachusetts, 

June 14 — 24, 1865. 

Moderator, HON. W. A. BUCKINGHAM. 
Preacher, REV. J. M. STURTEVANT. 



THE ** BOSTON" COUNCIL 

In the beginning, the Church of Christ grew. Chris- 
tianity is a growth, not a manufacture. In the above is 
refuted the sophistry of assertive ecclesiasticism. To 
divine leadership, manifesting itself in quickened spirit- 
ual life and activity, have Congregationalists ever been 
taught to look for guidance. The distinct epochs in the 
history of the Church of the English Pilgrims in Amer- 
ica have always been marked by the clear calls of God 
to duty and enlarging opportunities for service. True 
Congregationalism possesses ever-widening horizons. 
Congregationalism offers consecrated ambition a free 
field. Congregationalism is favorable to individual in- 
itiative. Congregationalism lends itself readily to exper- 
iment. 

More than ten years had passed since the Albany Con- 
vention had brought together the messengers of the 
churches. East and West, and conclusively proved the 
unity of the denomination. Meanwhile, the country had 
witnessed unprecedented development; many thousands 
from the Old World had sought homes on the free soil 
of America. Vast areas had been occupied. A great civil 
war was now waging, the issues of which, already fore- 
seen, were to determine the destiny of the country. A 
new era was before the church. The emancipation of 



50 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

three million slaves, the necessary social and political 
reconstruction, all propounded problems of immense sig- 
nificance. 

So long before as 1670, Increase Mather had written, 
in speaking of the polity of our churches, "It has ever 
been their declared judgment, when there is want of 
either light or peace to ask for counsel, that in matters 
of common concernment, particular churches should 
proceed with the concurrences of neighboring churches." 
In an emergency, Congregationalism consequently waits 
to hear no bull of pope or decree of bishop ; rather is the 
voice of the people sought. "The Triennial Convention 
of the Congregational Churches of the Northwest" — a 
body whose special work concerned the Chicago Theo- 
logical Seminary — at its regular meeting held in April, 
1864, was deeply moved by the changing conditions of 
•society and the churches. The following resolution de- 
fines their sense of responsibility : — "That it is expedient 
for the churches to inquire what is their duty in this vast 
and solemn crisis, such as comes only once in ages, and 
what new efforts, measures and policies they may owe to 
this condition of affairs, — this new genesis of nations." 

Thereupon the Rev. Truman M. Post of St. Louis of- 
fered the following motion, which was unanimously 
passed: "That the crisis demands general consultation, 
cooperation, and concert among our churches, and to 
these ends, requires extensive correspondence among 
our ecclesiastical associations, — or the assembling of a 
National Congregational Convention." This proposal 



THE BOSTON COUNCIL 51 

was presented to the Illinois General Association at its 
meeting at Quincy, May 27, 1864, and was received with 
heartiest commendation. It was then addressed to all 
the State Associations and was heartily approved, with 
the single exception of New Hampshire ; though one of 
the largest local associations of that state favored the 
proposal. The American Congregational Union (now 
the Congregational Church Building Society) invited the 
several committees from the different states to meet in 
Broadway Tabernacle Church, New York. Rev. Leon- 
ard Bacon was chosen chairman of this meeting, which 
convened November 16, 1864. At this gathering the 
name "National Council" was first formally chosen. 
They voted with marked unanimity that the proposed 
National Council should be held in Boston, June 14, 
1865 ; and submitted the following subjects for consid- 
eration : 

"i. Home and Foreign Evangelization. 

"2. Church Building. 

"3. Ministerial Education and Support. 

''4. Local and Parochial EvangeHzation. 

'^5. A Statement of Church Polity; and the Revs. 
Leonard Bacon, A. H. Quint and H. M. Storrs were re- 
quested to prepare a suitable report. 

"6. A Declaration of Christian Faith as held in com- 
mon by the Congregational churches." 

This was also referred to a committee to report, con- 
sisting of Revs. Joseph P. Thompson, George P. Fisher 
and E. A. Lawrence. 



52 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

To the Albany Convention, each church had been in- 
vited to send pastor and delegate. To the prospective 
Council, however, the representatives, both clerical and 
lay, were to be chosen by the churches, gathered in their 
local conferences or associations, in the proportion of 
two for each ten churches. 

In the Old South Meeting-house in Boston, the place 
made forever sacred by the sacrifice of the patriots of 
the Revolution, which British soldiers later used as 
a barracks, five hundred and two delegates gathered 
pursuant to the summons, June 14, 1865. Twenty-five 
States were represented, sixteen delegates were present 
from foreign lands and fourteen were made honorary 
members. Hon. W. A. Buckingham, Governor of Con- 
necticut, was chosen Moderator. Hon. Charles G. Ham- 
mond, the large-hearted layman of Chicago, and Rev. 
Joseph P. Thompson, pastor of Broadway Tabernacle, 
New York, were elected as Assistant Moderators. 

It was the largest national representative assembly 
Congregationalism had seen; and, after a third of 
a century, the remark is still true. Ten days were spent 
in careful deliberations and few moments were lost. A 
factor of the Council which commended itself to the 
body — and that has become incorporated into our tradi- 
tions — namely, the Business Committee, gave wise guid- 
ance. This committee consisted of Revs. A. H. Quint, 
Samuel Wolcott, Benjamin Labaree and Deacons Philo 
Carpenter and S. F. Drury. They were instructed to 
prepare "a docket for the use of the Moderator," and 



THE BOSTON COUNCIL 53 

save "by special vote of the Council, no business" was 
to be "introduced which has not . . . passed through the 
hands of the committee." 

The committee appointed by the preliminary meet- 
ing in New York on the Polity of the Church made its 
report on the third day. It was the clearest and most 
exhaustive declaration of the principles governing Con- 
gregational churches that had ever been prepared. It 
was immediately referred to a special committee, em- 
bracing Rev. J. P. Gulliver, Prof. Samuel Harris, Rev. 
Nelson Bishop, Prof. E. A. Park, Rev. J. G. Davis, Rev. 
Joshua Leavitt, Prof. S. C. Bartlett, Rev. Charles C. Sal- 
ter, Rev. Jesse Guernsey, Rev. James S. Hoyt, Rev. J. 
D. Liggett and Judge Lester Taylor. Rev. E. F. Burr 
of Lyme, Connecticut, was added later. An entire week 
these learned men considered the report, when it was 
found that a small minority would prevent a unanimous 
approval. The discussion waxed warm at times. It was 
evident that the West favored a positive declaration and 
one defining authority, inclining to emphasize the fel- 
lowship of the churches. A few in New England, on the 
other hand, held out for independency, pure and unadul- 
terated. 

In the dilemma, Prof. E. A. Park rose and moved a 
substitute, which was adopted, as follows : — 

"Resolved : That this Council recognizes as distinctive 
of the Congregational polity: — 

"First, the principle that the local or Congregational 
church derives its power and authority directly from 



54 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Christ, and is not subject to any ecclesiastical govern- 
ment exterior or superior to itself. 

''Second, that every local or Congregational church is 
bound to observe the duties of mutual respect and char- 
ity which are included in the communion of churches 
one with another; and that every church which refuses 
to give an account of its proceedings, when kindly and 
orderly desired to do so by neighboring churches, vio- 
lates the law of Christ. 

"Third, that the ministry of the Gospel by members 
of the churches who have been duly called and set apart 
to that work implies in itself no power of government 
and that ministers of the Gospel not elected to office in 
any church are not a hierarchy, nor are they invested 
with any official power in or over the churches." 

The report presented by the original committee, to- 
gether with the various amendments ofifered and passed, 
were referred to a new committee, with the request that 
the result of their deliberations be printed, and pub- 
lished to the churches at their earliest convenience. On 
this committee were Revs. Leonard Bacon, A. H. Quint, 
H. M. Storrs, E. A. Park, Samuel Harris, S. C. Bartlett, 
George P. Fisher, J. H. Fairchild, J. P. Gulliver, Benja- 
min Labaree, Mark Hopkins, William Barrows, Julian 
M. Sturtevant, Truman M. Post, Edward Beecher, Wil- 
liam Salter, J. S. Hoyt, David Burt, J. P. Thompson, 
Nathaniel A. Hyde, Leonard Swain, Richard Cordley, 
Rufus Anderson, and the following well-known laymen : 
Woodbury Davis, Henry Stockbridge, Asahel Finch, 
Warren Currier and J. H. Brockway. 



THE BOSTON COUNCIL 55 

In few matters submitted by national assemblies have 
the subjects in hand been given more thoughtful care, 
^jot until seven years after did this large committee 
publish the result of their deliberations to the churches, 
under the title : ^'Ecclesiastical Polity : the Government 
and Communion Practised by the Congregational 
Churches in the United States of America, Which were 
represented by Elders and Messengers in a National 
Council at Boston, A.D. 1865." 

It is one of several documents, prepared with much 
prayer and mature consideration, that has been appar- 
ently buried and lost sight of. A peculiar feature of this 
declaration, sometimes called "The Boston Platform," is 
the respect it has received and the weight it has carried 
in other lands. Foreign missionaries find in it much to 
guide them, and the churches of our order in Australia 
and other foreign lands have been frank to acknowledge 
their sense of indebtedness to it. 

It is to be noted in passing, that a similar result fol- 
lowed the famous Savoy Confession in 1658. It had 
little effect on the churches which prepared it, but In- 
crease Mather brought it to America and it was long the 
creed of the Congregational churches of New England. 

The "Minutes" of this Council fill 464 pages, many of 
them in fine print. Only a synopsis can at best be at- 
tempted. The several benevolent societies, through whose 
agencies the missionary work of the churches is carried 
on, were passed in review. Special stress was placed upon 
the inadequate means of the Home Missionary Society 



56 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

because of the rapid development of the West. It was 
also the beginning of the era which was to witness the 
extraordinary increase in manufactures and the growth 
of cities. Systematic beneficence was dwelt upon, and 
loyalty to our own agencies emphasized. The call for 
more and better trained pastors was urgent, though it 
was deplored that so many ministers, evidently worthy 
and capable, were without charge. As a result of the call 
issued by the Albany Convention, a goodly sum had 
been secured for the erection of churches. The Ameri- 
can Congregational Union had been organized. Unde- 
nominational agencies also received recognition, such as 
the American Bible Society, and the Sunday-School 
Union. 

The delegates assembled represented 2750 churches, 
3000 ministers and 275,000 church members. Rev. Julian 
M. Sturtevant, the pioneer missionary, college founder, 
and State organizer, preached a memorable sermon two 
hours in length. Unlike many of the denominations, 
Congregationalism was not divided on the slavery ques- 
tion, nor rent asunder by the War of Secession so re- 
cently ended. The South and the Southwest, Dr. Stur- 
tevant saw with the eye of a prophet, were soon to wel- 
come all who came in the name of the Prince of Peace. 

We have seen that a debate extending over nearly the 
entire session, from time to time, on a statement of 
polity, had been practically settled. Another committee 
appointed in New York reported a Declaration of Faith. 
This debate was continued so long and the minutes are 



THE BOSTON COUNCIL 57 

so voluminous that one especially interested must be re- 
ferred to them; or to the Congregational Quarterly x: 
377; Schaff's "Creeds of Christendom" iii: 374; or 
Walker's "Creeds and Platforms/' p. 553. No sooner 
was the report submitted, than the propriety of making 
the declaration was questioned. Overwhelmingly, it was 
decided that the action was germane to the function of 
the Council and in accord with the spirit of Congrega- 
tionalism. The original report was assigned to a com- 
mittee which ultimately was composed of Revs. John O. 
Fiske, Nahum Gale, Joseph Eldridge, Leonard Swain, 
A. G. Bristol, J. C. Hart, G. S. F. Savage, Deacon S. S. 
Barnard, and Profs. D. J. Noyes, Samuel Harris, E. A. 
Park, E, A. Lawrence, Noah Porter, J. H. Fairchild 
and Joseph Haven. 

This committee made an even longer report than the 
first, adding to the number of subjects treated and es- 
pecially amplifying the doctrinal statements. One para- 
graph was inserted, that at once provoked fierce contro- 
versy : — 

"In conformity, therefore, with the usage of previous 
councils, we, the elders and messengers of the Congre- 
gational churches in the United States, do now profess 
our adherence to the above named Westminster and 
Savoy Confessions for 'substance of doctrine.' We thus 
declare our acceptance of the system of truths which is 
commonly known among us as Calvinism, and which is 
distinguished from other systems by so exalting the 
sovereignty of God as to 'establish' rather than take 



58 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

away the 'liberty' or free-agency of man and by so ex- 
hibiting the entire character of God as to show most 
clearly 'the exceeding sinfulness of sin.' " 

In the course of the debate, Prof. Park, the beloved 
teacher of Andover, declared: "We are Calvinists, 
mainly, essentially, in all the essentials of our faith." 
The hour had come to close, the question was still be- 
fore the assembly. And the Council had voted four days 
previously to meet on the morrow, not in Boston, but 
on Burial Hill, Plymouth, where rest the ashes of the 
martyrs to that first winter in the New World. The day 
was cloudless. The Council went down one thousand 
strong. It was very apparent that the prevailing senti- 
ment of a decidedly large majority was essentially Cal- 
Vinistic. It was clear that if forced to a vote the "Cal- 
vinistic" section would command the suffrages of all but 
a very few. Harmony was to be obtained if possible: 
and the unanimity essential could only be attained by 
eliminating a few of the objectionable statements. Some 
of the leading men decided at once to prepare a new 
declaration leaving out the objectionable features, and 
present it in the morning. So great was the pressure 
of business and so short the time that Dr. Quint com- 
pleted the draft, with his hat as a tablet, while the train 
was rushing onward to Plymouth. The resolutions were 
presented and approved. Thus the Rubicon was passed 
and what came to be known as the "Burial Hill Declara- 
tion" united the Council. Dr. Quint has written: "A 
spirit of gratitude to God was everywhere felt. A danger 



THE BOSTON COUNCIL 59 

had been arrested. The real unity of our churches in 
faith had providentially found expression." 

It is a document in which we may take just pride. It 
is to be regretted that the declaration is so little known 
among the rank and file of our churches. The opening 
lines at least must be quoted : — 

"Standing by the rock where the Pilgrims set foot 
upon these shores, upon the spot where they worshiped 
God, and among the graves of the early generations, we 
Elders and Messengers of the Congregational churches of 
the United States, in National Council assembled, — like 
them acknowledging no rule of faith but the Word of 
God, — do now declare our adherence tO' the faith and or- 
der of the apostolic and primitive churches held by our 
fathers, and substantially as embodied in the confessions 
and platforms which our Synods of 1648 and 1680 set 
forth or reaffirmed." 

After reference to a committee, it was at last offered 
for final action in the Council on the succeeding day. 
The vote was in the affirmative, hearty and unanimous. 
The members rose as by common impulse and joined 
in prayer with Rev. Ray Palmer. The meeting closed 
with the singing of his hymn, "My faith looks up 
to Thee," and the benediction. Dunning, in his popular 
volume, "Congregationalists in America" quotes from 
the New York "Independent," of current date, an arti- 
cle, written on the spot, picturing the scene on Burial 
Hill:— 

"It was a sublime moment ! Nearly two hundred and 
fifty years had passed since the feeble 'Mayflower' com- 



6o THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

pany had repeated in solemn covenant the articles of 
their despised faith on that spot. *What do these feeble 
Jews?' said a sneering world. 'Even that which they 
build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their 
stone wall.' Now five hundred men, the representatives 
of three thousand churches, the representatives of ideas 
which have triumphed gloriously and finally over the 
land, the representatives of Puritanism, pure and simple, 
unchanged, unabashed, bold and intense, as in the days 
of the Commonwealth, stood on the soil made firm by 
the heroic tread of those despised men and exultingly 
declared, This faith is our faith. These ideas have saved 
our country, and are going forth, conquering and to con- 
quer, over the world.' " 

Thus was brought to an end a convention which must 
ever hold a unique place in the annals of the Church of 
the Pilgrims. In the language of him who was more 
potent than any other one man in calling the conven- 
tion and shaping its policy, it had been proved that a 
national convention could assemble "without domination 
over churches and without danger of assuming author- 
ity. It has shown that mutual fellowship and commun- 
ion in Christian love form a tie as strong as that of any 
ecclesiastical machinery; — ^that unity may be preserved 
by brotherly consultation without the penalties of judi- 
cial procedure. It has given evidence that, with the pos- 
session of a common faith, co-operation in the great en- 
terprises of the Gospel is the strongest bond of fraternity 
under Christ." 



THE "OBERLIN" COUNCIL 

The First Session of the National Council, Held in Oberlin, Ohio^ 
November 15 — 21, 1871. 

Moderator, REV. W. I. BUDINGTON. 
Preacher, REV. LEONARD BACON. 



THE **OBERLIN" COUNCIL 

The two national conventions which had met in com- 
paratively recent years had left the happiest of memo- 
ries. Their deliberations, though lacking legislative 
powers, had resulted in untold good to the denomination. 
Their representative character, the spirit and wisdom of 
the proceedings, had won even doubting minds to the 
value and necessity of a similar body, which should be 
permanent and meet regularly. This feeling found a 
voice in the recognized denominational press. All parts 
of the broad land seemed equally desirous that such an 
organization should be established. 

It remained for the Church of the Pilgrimage, in Plym- 
outh, Massachusetts, to which the last Convention had 
repaired, and where the memorable confession of faith 
was adopted on Burial Hill, to send out letters inviting 
sister churches of our faith to commission delegates to 
attend a preliminary meeting, March 2, 1870. This com- 
mission was invited to suggest appropriate measures 
commemorating the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary 
of the landing of the Pilgrims. On convening, it was soon 
found that they were of one mind. It was deemed expe- 
dient, however, to make haste slowly. So the entire mat- 
ter, after full consideration, was referred to a committee, 
of which Hon. Edward S. Tobey was chairman, Rev. H. 



64 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

M. Dexter, secretary, and Deacon Samuel Holmes, treas- 
urer. Associated with them were Revs. W. W. Patton, 
A. H. Quint and Ray Palmer, with Deacon A. S. Barnes, 

In accord with the instructions given, this provisional 
committee requested all the Congregational churches in 
the United States to send each a representative to the 
"Pilgrim Memorial Convention" the following month in 
Chicago. Pursuant to the call, this convention met in 
the First Church, April 27, 1870. B. W. Tompkins, of 
Connecticut, was chosen chairman, Hon. E. D. Holton 
of Wisconsin, Rev. Samuel Wolcott of Cleveland and 
President George F. Magoun of Iowa, his assistants. 
The secretaries were Revs. H. C. Abernethy of Illinois, 
Philo R. Hurd, Michigan, and L. Smith Hobart from 
New York. 

Again the pulse of our churches was felt. It was a 
matter of so much importance that no mistake should be 
made. Continued deliberation revealed a unanimous 
sentiment that a convention, meeting regularly, without 
judicial authority, yet representing all our churches, com- 
petent to discuss the needs of the denomination and 
voice the sentiment of our people, should be instituted 
as soon as it could be wisely brought about. The execu- 
tive committee, consisting of Rev. W. W. Patton, Rev. 
R. B. Howard of Illinois, Hon. J. C. Walker of Michigan, 
and James L. Kearnie, Esq., of Missouri, offered the fol- 
lowing, which was unanimously approved: "That this 
Pilgrim Memoriaf Convention recommend to the Con- 
gregational State Conferences and Associations, and to 



THE OBERLIN COUNCIL 65 

other local bodies, to unite in measures for instituting 
on the principle of fellowship, excluding ecclesiastical 
authority, a permanent National Conference." 

Very soon the General Association of Ohio received 
the invitation and acted affirmatively, appointing a com- 
mittee with Rev. A. Hastings Ross as chairman to cor- 
respond with other State bodies and facilitate if possible 
the holding of the proposed convention. This initiative 
was everywhere cordially welcomed. The General Asso- 
ciation of New York proposed to the churches of the 
country without further delay, that they elect commis- 
ioners to a preliminary meeting to be held in Boston, 
December 21, 1870. The standing committee of the 
Massachusetts Association adopted the proposal and 
sent out invitations accordingly. 

A goodly number responded. It was the third prelim- 
inary meeting held to consider the question propounded. 
Unanimously, the following was passed : "That it is ex- 
pedient, and appears to be clearly the voice of the 
churches, that a National Council of the Congregational 
Churches of the United States be organized." Only 
one State, which contained but seventy churches, had 
voted adversely on sending delegates, — and that by a ma- 
jority of only one. Of this meeting, held in the Congre- 
gational Library, Rev. E. B. Webb was chosen Chair- 
man, Hon. A. C. Barstow of Providence, Rhode Island, 
Assistant, Rev. W. E. Merriman of Ripon, Wisconsin, 
ScrFbe, with Hon. H. S. McCall as his Assistant. Maine, 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connec- 



66 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

ticut, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Minne- 
sota and Wisconsin were represented. It was a happy 
coincidence that the day the above action was taken was 
the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the exact 
date, December 21, 1620, on which the little Pilgrim 
Church had landed at Plymouth so long ago. 

One more thing had to be done, namely, the appoint- 
ment of a Provisional or Executive Committee to pre- 
pare the draft of a suitable constitution, select the time 
and place of meeting, designate the proper repre- 
sentation of the churches, and issue the customary call 
or invitation. Another link in the chain had been added. 
The Committee, elected by ballot, was composed of 
Rev. A. H. Quint, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Pres- 
ident William E. Merrimaui, of Ripon College, Prof. S. 
C. Bartlett, Chicago Seminary, Deacon Samuel Holmes, 
Montclair, New Jersey, Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, 
U. S. Army, Rev. William Ives Budington, Brooklyn, 
and Hon. A. C. Barstow of Providence. Other well- 
known men who shared in these deliberations were 
Revs. James G. Vose and Leonard Bacon, Bicknell the 
educator. President Israel W. Andrews and Edward W. 
Gilman, who was to give so many years to the American 
Bible Society. 

It proves the eminent conservatism of Congregation- 
alism that so much thought and prayer should have been 
given to the proposed organization before the convention 
met which was to bear the name of the First National 
Council. No one can ever bring the charge that the 
Council was the sudden creation of intemperate haste. 



THE OBERLIN COUNCIL 67 

In pursuance of the call issued by the Committee of 
the Convention held in Boston eleven months previous, 
a Council of the Congregational churches of the United 
States assembled in the Second Church, Oberlin, Ohio, 
Wednesday, November 15, 1871. 

A temporary organization was eflfected by the election 
of Hon. Erastus D. Holton of Wisconsin as Moderator. 
Rev. James H. Fairchild welcomed th^e coming of the 
guests in a felicitous address. The 3100 churches, 3000 
ministers and 312,000 members were represented by 276 
delegates. It is profitable and interesting, withal, tO' re- 
call the names of the messengers who were deemed wor- 
thy by the churches to represent them in this first na- 
tional convention, under a constitution, of the Commun- 
ion in America. Space permits reference to only a few 
of the many. From distant California came Rev. Israel 
E. Dwinell, who, with his beloved confrere. Rev. J. A. 
Benton, was to give his life to the founding of Pacific 
Theological Seminary. Colorado had but one delegate 
in the person of Rev. Nathan Thompson. The Connec- 
ticut delegation comprised twenty-seven men, among 
whom were Revs. Leonard Bacon, W. H. Moore, Or- 
lando H. White, Jeremiah Taylor, Asa S. Fiske and 
Elisha C. Jones. Laymen whose names are cherished 
were Deacon Charles Benedict of Waterbury, the Hon. 
David P. Nichols, Whitney Elliott, Esq., the Hon. Ben- 
jamin Douglas, Henry P. Haven, long a pillar of the 
church in New London, and the Hon. William A. Buck- 
ingham, Governor of the State. 



68 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The Illinois representatives were tO' have much weight 
in the coming deliberations of the body. Among them 
were Revs. J. E. Roy, W. W. Patton, G. S. F. Savage, 
who was elected temporary Scribe, Julian M. Sturtevant, 
and his son of the same name, John K. McLean, since a 
leader in good works on the Pacific Coast, and Alexan- 
der B. Campbell. Prof. William Coffin, Stephen B. Stin- 
son, Esq., and William Converse, M.D., were among the 
laity. 

Iowa was in the midst of remarkable development as 
a State and sent Revs. William M. Brooks, long the ef- 
ficient President of Tabor, J. A. Hamilton, Harmon 
Bross, who later was to be claimed by Nebraska, George 
F. Magoun, always to be associated with the struggles 
of Iowa College, Ephraim Adams, the pioneer, and Jo- 
seph W. Pickett, who afterwards lost his life in the mis- 
sionary service in the Rocky Mountains. 

Rev. Peter McVicar, the builder of Washburn College, 
and Rev. Richard Cordley, who was to take an active 
part in subsequent national assemblies, were from Kan- 
sas. Samuel P. Benson, Simeon Page and Joseph Tit- 
comb were leading laymen who came from Maine. Mas- 
sachusetts sent a remarkably able delegation of forty-six 
men. Hon. Alpheus Hardy, Deacon J. Russell Bradford, 
Alexander Hyde, Esq., Deacon Ezra Farnsworth, were 
among the representatives of the pew. Revs. E. B. 
Webb, Edward S. Atwood, Mason Noble, Jr., Edmund 
K. Alden and Joshua W. Wellman were of the clergy, 
Among the pastors from Michigan, Warren F. Day, Le- 



THE OBERLIN COUNCIL 6g 

roy Warren and Jesse W. Hough should be mentioned. 
Rev. James W. Strong, who was to build a worthy mon- 
ument in Carleton College, was sent by the General Con- 
ference of Minnesota. The nest or of St. Louis, in the 
person of Rev. Truman M. Post, brought credentials 
from Missouri, together with Revs. Minot J. Savage, 
Edwin B. Turner and James H. Harwood. Rev. Edward 
Hawes was sent by the churches of Philadelphia and 
Gen. O. O. Howard from Washington, D. C. 

The New York and Brooklyn Associations of New 
York elected Revs. William Ives Budington, Ray 
Palmer, Henry M. Storrs and WilHam H. Ward. No 
one was to exert a more potent influence in shaping the 
form and character of the Council than Rev. A. Hastings 
Ross of Ohio. From far away Oregon came Rev. 
George H. Atkinson to receive a merited welcome. Rev. 
James G. Vose was present from Providence, and Rev. 
Henry S. Bennett from Nashville. Wisconsin was ably 
represented by Rev. Charles H. Richards, subsequently 
called to Philadelphia, Rev. Samuel W. Eaton, the hon- 
ored father of noble sons, and the Hon. Samuel D. Hast- 
ings. 

The first morning and afternoon sessions were given 
to the main business before the assembly, namely, for- 
mal and permanent organization. In the evening, Rev. 
Leonard Bacon preached from the text, "And hath put 
all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head 
over all things to the church" (Eph. i : 22). A chorus 
of colored students from Fisk University added much 



70 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

to the enjoyment of the guests. Papers were read and 
discussed upon the following subjects, familiar even 
now: — ''Vacant Churches and Unemployed Ministers," 
"Congregational Literature," "The Supply of the Min- 
istry," and "The Unity of the Church." 

The last provoked a long and animated discussion, 
which resulted in passing what the Council was pleased 
to call a "Declaration of Faith." The closing paragraph 
reads : "We believe in the Holy Catholic Church. It is 
our prayer and endeavor, that the unity of the church 
may be more and more apparent, and that the prayer of 
our Lord for his disciples may be speedily and com- 
pletely answered, and all be one : that by consequence of 
this Christian unity in love, the world may believe in 
Christ as sent of the Father to save the world," 

After two days given to the discussion of the constitu- 
tion presented by the Committee, it was unanimously 
adopted. Two paragraphs caused much debate: first, 
that relating to "faith;" second, the name, many con- 
tending that the body should not be called "Council" 
at all. But no other substitute was received with favor. 
In lieu of no better name, "Council" was finally adopted 
unanimously. 

The Council proceeded to organize under the Consti- 
tution, and elected officers by ballot. The Rev. WilHam 
I. Budington, of Brooklyn was chosen Moderator. He 
remarked significantly in taking the chair, "We stand 
on the grave of buried prejudice." Gen. O. O. Howard 
and the Rev. George H. Atkinson were Assistant Mod- 



THE OBERLIN COUNCIL 71 

erators. Rev. A. H. Quint, New Bedford, Mass., was 
the choice for Secretary, Rev. William H. Moore, Berlin, 
Conn., Registrar, and Hon. Charles G. Hammond, Chi- 
cago, Treasurer. 

A pleasant occasion followed in the laying of the cor- 
ner-stone of a new building for the Theological School. 
A strong appeal was made for funds to build the Congre- 
gational House in Boston. Sunday afternoon, the 
Lord's Supper was observed. The service was con- 
ducted by President Charles G. Finney, who, later, at the 
invitation of the Council, preached. Many requests hav- 
ing come that a manual of doctrine and polity be pre- 
pared, a strong committee was assigned to this work, 
"whose sanction may give currency to the manual, not 
as a book of binding authority, but c.s a means of general 
instruction, commended to the churches for its real 
merits." 

A petition was sent to Congress urging the publica- 
tion of document 37 of the third session of the Forty- 
first Congress, that sets forth "the great service which 
Dr. Whitman and his intrepid companions rendered to 
our country in saving our Northwest Coast from the 
grasp of a foreign power." A deficiency in the treasury 
of the American Home Missionary Society came up for 
extended consideration. At the close, a resolution was 
passed appointing a committee to consider and report, 
"Whether any consolidation of such organization is prac- 
ticable, with a view to the promotion of unity and ef- 
ficiency of operation, and the reduction of expenses, 
which are felt to be needless and therefore burdensome." 



72 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The Council made a declaration, as a result of two 
hours of debate, in regard to the duty of ministers to be 
in orderly connection with some ministerial or ecclesi- 
astical organization which should be able to certify to 
their regular standing in the ministry, urging the 
churches to employ only such as have evidence of their 
good standing. 

The action of the Government in negotiating a new 
treaty with Great Britain was commended and the prin- 
ciple of international arbitration was heartily endorsed. 
The spiritual quality had been manifest. The marvelous 
address of the venerable Charles G. Finney left its in- 
delible impress upon the minds and hearts of his audi- 
ence. The usual vote of thanks was recorded. The 
hymn, "Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim," was sung; 
the benediction was pronounced ; and the moderator de- 
clared the session dissolved. 



THE " NEW HAVEN " COUNCIL 

The Second Session of the National Council, Held in New Haven, 
Connecticut, Sept. 30 — Oct. 4, 1874. 

Moderator, L. S. FOSTER. 
Preacher, REV. R. S. STORRS. 



THE **NEW HAVEN" COUNCIL 

The first Council to bear the name "National," under 
a constitution, held in Oberlin, in 1871, more than met 
expectations. The action was positive and potent; the 
reaction came in 1874, and was not less pronounced. In 
the history of the Councils, one soon discerns an ebb 
and flow, as in the tides of the sea. 

The fourth general convention of the Congregational 
churches of America was called to order in the historic 
Center Church, on the Green, New Haven, Connecticut, 
September 30, 1874, by the Rev. Henry M. Storrs. An 
address of welcome was given by Rev. Leonard Bacon, 
the tenth pastor of the church in which the Council met. 
It was reminiscent and dwelt upon the history of the 
State, the city and the churches of our order in New 
Haven. The First Church is coeval with the town. On 
the 15 April (old style) 1638, the first settlers of the place, 
having just landed, assembled for public worship under 
the guidance of their chosen pastor. Rev. John Daven- 
port. Over a year, the ecclesiastical and civil affairs of 
the community, then called Quinnipiac, were conducted 
under a provisional arrangement or "plantation cove- 
nant." The congregation was called together by the beat- 
ing of a drum from a lookout on the roof. Sentinels were 
always placed on guard to give warning of the incur- 
sions of the savages. Six field-pieces, ready for instant 



76 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

action, made the assembly more secure. The building 
in which the Council convened was erected in 1812 and 
is the fourth reared by the society. 

When nominations were called for, an unusually large 
supply of moderatorial timber appeared, — Hon. L. S. 
Foster, Connecticut, Hon. E. B. Gillett, Hon. William 
B. Washburn, Hon. John Z. Goodrich, all of Massachu- 
setts, Rev. Joseph Emerson, Wisconsin, Rev. George F. 
Magoun, Iowa, and Colonel C. G. Hammond of Chi- 
cago. The first named was elected, with Rev. George F. 
Magoun and Rev. I. E. Dwinell of California as Assist- 
ants. In passing, it may be noted that one of the num- 
ber, Washburn, received this great honor at a subse- 
quent session of the Council. 

An amendment to the By-laws was voted, "That per- 
sons selected as preachers, or to prepare papers, or to 
serve upon committees, appointed by this body, should 
be entitled to seats in the session in which they are to 
serve, without privilege of voting." 

No set order has been observed from the beginning 
in arranging the program for the several days of the dif- 
ferent sessions. The evening of the opening day, so 
great was the desire to hear the invited preacher that the 
edifice was filled to its utmost capacity, and then many 
were turned away. Rev. William M. Taylor, pastor of 
Broadway Tabernacle, New York, conducted the service. 
Rev. Richard S. Storrs chose as his texts i John 4 : 8, "He 
that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love," and 
Matthew 5 : 8, "Blessed are the pure in heart : for they 



THE NEW HAVEN COUNCIL 77 

shall see God." The introduction pictured the develop- 
ment of science, possibly the most marked of all the phe- 
nomena of the present century. This change has been 
felt in every sphere of human life. Science has gone for- 
ward from triumph to triumph until, it would seem, noth- 
ing could remain which would not be subdued. Science 
is an all-conquering monarch. "But it has never yet 
bridged the chasm between molecular action and spirit- 
ual forces." Science unaided cannot account for the 
universe as it is. The hidden forces appear to be the 
most potent and regnant. Science explains much that 
we see and hear ; but beyond are vast worlds which mvite 
exploration but defy conquest. The spiritual is a necessity 
to complete the material. God is. All things have their 
origin in Him. From Him proceeds all power in heaven 
and in earth. He is a Person; "and personality in man 
is the inseparable correlative of the personality of God."" 
With masterly genius he graphically sketched the pro- 
found lessons of cosmogony. We behold a world; it 
must be accounted for. Then, passing to the history of 
mankind, he boldly outlined the onward progress of the 
race. Spirituality is the crowning. "So we come to that 
answer to our question, which the Lord has given, 'The 
pure in heart shall see God.' " Science, then, if wise, does 
not attempt to discover God. "It works with wrong in- 
struments; — it is like hunting for love with a micro- 
scope." The Church is an association of believers in the 
overruling providence of God, which is mindful of the 
sparrow's fall and yet guides worlds in their flight. This 
faith is the pledge of immortality. 



78 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The sermon required a little more than an hour and a 
half for delivery. No notes whatever were used. We 
are wholly dependent on the reporters' synopsis. The 
fame of the orator had preceded him. The audience was 
composed of "the old families," the New England 
Brahmin class, and a large representation of the faculty 
of the College. Probably in no single effort in any ses- 
sion of the Council has eloquence arisen to such superb 
power and exalted heights. The Assistant Moderator, 
Rev. George F. Magoun, led in prayer, and what must 
be known as one of the most remarkable of all the ser- 
vices held under the auspices of the Council closed. 

At the opening of the second day President Noah Por- 
ter extended a cordial invitation to the members of the 
Council to visit the different departments of the Uni- 
versity. Rev. I. E. Dwinell of Sacramento, California, 
read a paper on the "Fellowship of the Churches." A 
cardinal principle of our polity, it has, nevertheless, been 
overlooked and neglected. Its neglect has caused our 
denomination to fall behind others in the march of evan- 
gelization across the continent. It was a calm and clear 
presentation of one of the canons of our practice, "em- 
phasizing the responsibilities of Congregationalists by 
reason of the peculiar privilege of their polity." It was 
urged that "Congregationalists, of all others, must be 
good Christians to be good churchmen." 

The American Congregational Association reported. 
It was hoped the new Congregational House in Boston 
would be ready for dedication next Forefathers' Day. 



THE NEW HAVEN COUNCIL 79 

The total cost had been about one-half million of dollars. 
The citizens of Boston gave the larger part of this 
amount. "Here is an opportunity and a privilege before 
the entire country. It is a benefaction that makes glad 
many hearts and is a blessing to all the missionary work 
of the churches." 

The Hon. Charles T. Russell, president of the Con- 
gregational Publishing Society, spoke briefly of its 
work. Rev. Christopher Cushing reviewed the activi- 
ties of the American Congregational Union. Dr. Buf- 
field spoke of the happy marriage of the College Society 
with the Education Society and the applause which 
greeted his remarks indicated that many rejoiced in this 
union of effort. "And now if you want a still further re- 
duction in the percentage of expenses, — swell our re- 
ceipts." 

The American Board was represented by Secretary 
Treat ; the American Home Missionary Society by its 
Secretary, Dr. Coe; and the Rev. M. E. Strieby addressed 
the house on the need of more men and money to answer 
pressing calls from dark corners of our own land. 

Each session of the Council since its organization has 
had, with very few exceptions, some one supreme issue 
that has overshadowed all others. The benevolent so- 
cieties, which are the agents of the churches, their con- 
stitutional requirements, and their methods of adminis- 
tration furnished the all-absorbing theme at this session. 
At Oberlin, three years before, a strong and conservative 
committee had been elected to consider thoroughly the 



8p THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

societies and their work. Rev. E. S. Atwood of Massa- 
chusetts, Col. Charles G. Hammond, Illinois, Warren 
Currier, St. Louis, Rev. L. H. Cobb, Minnesota, Rev. 
W. W. Patton, Chicago, Henry P. Haven, Esq. and R. 
B. Thurston of Connecticut reported unanimously as a 
committee and recommended nine changes. "The Con- 
gregationalist" of current date has the fullest account we 
possess of the recommendations and the discussions 
which ensued. 

"Certain grave difficulties are found to stand in the 
way of recommending any radical change in the existing 
order," the report declared. But, they also assert, 
"There was a leakage and a waste incident to the 
present methods of administration which might be 
stopped by more thorough and compact organization. 
Greater efficiency would be almost certain to result from 
consolidation." In almost every session to the very last 
of the New Haven Council this matter came up in one 
form or another. It would not down. The committee 
was composed of men who possessed the fullest confi- 
dence of all the churches. In the light of the prevailing 
sentiment of the day, their report was conservative. 
What was intended to bring light, did so, but it started 
a conflagration. The entire question of the function of 
the Council was debated earnestly. Some insisted that it 
should be simply a conference, passing no resolutions 
and recording no votes. Others would greatly increase 
in number and power its prerogatives. There were those 
who deprecated any action whatever involving the be- 



THE NEW HAVEN COUNCIL 8l 

uevolent societies and their work. This argument was 
answered by saying something must be done to save the 
societies, as they had already forfeited the confidence of 
many givers. On the whole, it may be said New Eng- 
land men disclaimed giving any advice. Dr. E. P. Good- 
win, pastor of the First Church, Chicago, is quoted as 
saying, "I hope the Council will stand fairly up to its 
privilege and duty of advising with respect to the work 
of the societies." It was not so much what was said as 
it was the manner of the saying which aroused an an- 
tagonism seldom if ever equaled in any discussion in the 
Council. Diplomacy was sadly lacking. 

A feature of the early sessions of the Council, very 
wisely dropped since, was the time given to listening to 
delegates from corresponding bodies. Each necessarily 
brought a very brief message, superficial and too often 
smacking of mere formality. The Council manifests no 
less good will in deciding that this perfunctory feature 
should be wholly eliminated. 

Rev. E. B. Coe of the American Home Missionary So- 
ciety read a paper, prompted by his rich experience, on 
"Comity between Denominations on the Home Field." 
Hundreds of towns in America were declared to be over- 
churched. Not enough Christianity, but too much eccle- 
siasticism. It struck a responsive chord in the hearts of 
many in the body. The writer quoted Bishop A. C. 
Coxe as saying that he had found a town in New York 
State where five spires point to heaven, and yet the doors 
are closed and there is no preaching of the gospel, all be- 



82 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

cause of sectarian strife and bitterness. Dr. Coe said he 
could name now one hundred churches which should 
have special interest in the remark of our Lord to Peter, 
— "by what death he should glorify God." 

Dr. Quint, as Secretary of the Council, reported the 
triennial statistics of the churches, which numbered 
3325, ministers 3238, church members 323,679, indicat- 
ing a gain in three years of 17,161. In that period, 413 
churches had been organized, but 209 had been dropped. 
Idaho, West Virginia and Nevada had entered the ranks 
of our brotherhood. 

Rev. Zachary Eddy presented a carefully prepared pa- 
per on "The Occasions of Hope for a Great and Imme- 
diate Effusion of the Holy Spirit." It was followed by 
an hour of devotional exercises. Rev. W. H. H. Murray 
had been invited to read upon the subject, "How to 
Make the Pulpit Effective with the Masses." It was de- 
cidedly brilliant, like the meteoric course of its once dis- 
tinguished author. "We must study the actual man, not 
the theoretical." Barbed shafts were hurled at the 
weak spots in the armor of Congregationalists who have 
always been in danger of permitting a cold intellectual- 
ism t© chill their hearts. 

President James H. Fairchild of Oberlin brought some 
strong meat and placed it before the body in his paper, 
"The Character essential to the Religion that shall take 
firm hold upon the American People." He regarded the 
gospel as eternal and unchanging, but its application 
must vary from age to age. "The religion which shall 



THE NEW HAVEN COUNCIL 83 

take strong hold upon the people must ask nothing of 
faith that reason cannot grant." Various reports were 
made, and the Rev. A. F. Beard read a paper, — "The 
Undeveloped Power in the Churches and Individuals." 

Most beautiful autumn weather continued through 
the entire session. Sunday, the closing day, many of the 
pulpits of the city were filled by delegates to the Council. 
In the afternoon, the Lord's Supper was observed, and, 
at the close, the benediction was pronounced, and the ses- 
sion was declared dissolved. Thus ended a session that 
commands a distinct place in the history of the Council. 
It defines the low-water mark in the series. The tide was 
at the flood in Oberlin ; it had fallen in New Haven. The 
New York "Independent," in current issue editorially 
says, "The Congregational Council at New Haven was 
not intellectually the strongest body of men that this de- 
nomination has ever assembled. Many of the recognized 
leaders of the commuinion were absent, and the great 
vacancy which they made was not at all filled by certain 
confident brethren who hastened to the front to take 
their places. If the Congregationalists are to perpetuate 
this system of councils, they must learn to suppress 
bores." In the perspective of years, we may look back 
with less feeling than the antagonisms of the hour 
aroused. The session taught wholesome lessons which 
have not been forgotten. It marks the limit in the swing 
of the pendulum. Mindful of conscious strength, it was 
testing its power, and, like many a young athlete, overdid 
in the effort. Wisdom was to be attained by experience 
and a golden mean was to be found. 



THE " DETROIT " COUNCIL 

The Third Session of the National Council, Held in Detroit, 
Michigan, October 17 — 21, 1877. 

Moderator, HON. W. B. WASHBURN. 
Preacher, REV. ZACHARY EDDY. 



THE "DETROIT" COUNCIL 

The third session of the National Council was called 
to order Oct. 17, 1877, in the Second Congregational 
Church, Detroit, Michigan. The credentials of the dele- 
gates were collected and their names were read. From 
nominations without remark, Hon. William B. Wash- 
burn, formerly United States Senator and Governor of 
Massachusetts, was chosen Moderator. Rev. Aaron L. 
Chapin, of Wisconsin, and Deacon Charles G. Ham- 
mond, of Chicago, were elected Assistant Moderators. 

Among the long list of the delegates, space permits 
reference to a few only. Deacon Stephen S. Smith, who 
generously contributed for many years to the churches 
of San Francisco, was one of the four who represented 
California. Rev. R. T. Cross was sent by the State As- 
sociation of Colorado. In the Connecticut delegation 
were Rev. Charles Ray Palmer of Bridgeport, Deacon 
James B. Williams of Glastonbury, Rev. Frederick A. 
Noble of New Haven, and Deacon William C. Crump 
of New London. Rev. Charles Seccombe, the pioneer 
missionary, brought credentials from the new Associa- 
tion in Dakota Territory. Rev. Alexander R. Thain, 
later to serve as editor of "The Advance," came from 
Galesburg, Illinois, Charles W. Keyes, Esq., from 
Quincy, Rev. John W. Bradshaw, subsequently called 
to preach to the students of Oberlin, was sent from Elgin 



88 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Association. Rev. George Huntington, then a pastor 
in Oak Park, was another member of the same delega- 
tion. 

Iowa chose the veteran Rev. WilHam Salter, Revs. 
George F. Magoun, William M. Brooks and Julian 
M. Sturtevant, Jr. Hon. Nelson Dingley, whom the 
churches were to honor later. Rev. Ezra H. Byington, 
who was to write of the Puritans, Deacon Simon Page 
of Hallowell and the Rev. William H. Fenn were the 
messengers from the Pine Tree State. Massachusetts 
again sent a noble body of men with Rev. H. M. Dexter 
at their head. Rev. Joshua Coit came from Lawrence, 
Deacon Warren F. Draper from Andover, Rev. John D. 
Kingsbury hailed from Bradford, and Deacon A. Lyman 
Williston, the wise counselor of Mount Holyoke, Rev. 
Francis N. Peloubet, whose aid in Sunday-school in- 
struction we all welcome, and Rev. Washington Gladden 
from Springfield, were among the number. Rev. Joseph 
B. Clark and Prof. Thomas W. Bicknell brought creden- 
tials from the Suffolk South Conference. 

To this Council Rev. Richard Cordley came, not from 
Kansas but from Flint, Michigan. President James B. 
Angell and Deacon Allen Fish of Port Huron were also 
in the Michigan party. 

President James W. Strong and his pastor. Rev. Dela- 
van L. Leonard, were from Northfield, Minnesota. Rufus 
J. Baldwin was the only Minneapolis man present. Rev. 
Henry C. Simmons, whO' was to give his life to North 
Dakota, and Rev. John H. Morley, his worthy successor 



THE DETROIT COUNCIL 89 

as President of Fargo College, were among the North 
Star representatives. 

Rev. Robert West brought his cheery greetings from 
St. Louis, and Rev. Lewis Gregory came from Lincoln, 
Nebraska. The General Association of New Hampshire 
elected only one man, the Rev. Franklin D. Ayer. New 
Jersey was to be heard frequently in the persons of Revs. 
George M. Boynton of Newark, Jeremiah E. Rankin and 
Amory H. Bradford. 

From New York came Rev. Samuel H. Virgin of the 
metropolis and Rev. Henry M. Ladd of Walton. 

Ohio commissioned the beloved Revs. Samuel Wol- 
cott and Allen C. Barrows of Kent, who was to succeed 
him in the State Missionary Society. Rev. Stephen D. 
Peet of Ashtabula was already beginning to win laurels 
in archeology. Prof. John M: Ellis of Oberlin, President 
Israel M. Andrews and his pastor. Rev. Theron H. 
Hawkes, of Marietta, and the late Rev. Justin E. Twich- 
ell were also in this goodly company. 

Rev. A. J. F. Behrends sat in the Council from Rhode 
Island, and Rev. Henry S. Bennett from Tennessee. 
Rev. George L. Walker came from Brattleboro, Ver- 
mont, with Hon. Franklin Fairbanks of St. Johnsbury 
and Rev. Russell T. Hall of Pittsford. The Congrega- 
tional and Presbyterian Convention of Wisconsin was 
present in the person of Rev. Aaron L. Chapin ; and the 
future distinguished teacher of Philosophy in Yale, Rev. 
George T. Ladd, left his home in Milwaukee, as did the 
Rev. Arthur Little of Fond du Lac. 



90 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

"I love thy kingdom, Lord," may well be entitled the 
Council's favorite hymn. After the singing, the usual 
committees were announced. A subject which has re- 
ceived careful attention at several Councils and to this 
day remains unsettled, namely, some method by which 
the expenses of the delegates could be met, was given 
to a committee for consideration. 

The weakness of the Congregational polity is painfully 
apparent in that we read in the minutes of almost every 
Council, a subject which was very forcibly presented by 
Rev. H. M. Dexter, "Churchless Pastors and Pastorless 
Churches." To this day the weak spot in our polity is 
the pastorate; it should be the strongest. The greatest 
waste is not in money, but in what is more precious, men. 
The closing words of this able report will appeal to all 
who preach the gospel of the Christ : "No, we must not 
ask for nor expect — I doubt if we want — a 'smart' man. 
Let us be contented with a good man, and if when we 
get him, we find that he is not perfect, let us not find 
fault with him until we be perfect ourselves." 

The Rev. Constans L. Goodell of St. Louis, who was 
always welcomed in all the assemblies of the churches, 
read a paper on "Woman's Work as a Part of the Re- 
ligious Movement of the Time." He facetiously intro- 
duced his theme by saying that in discussing a theme 
upon which so many good men differ widely, he feared 
he might bring down the house upon him as did Samson 
of old. After a luminous review of the work of women 
in different epochs he asks the question : "Is it wise 



THE DETROIT COUNCIL 91 

and expedient to organize permanently in the churches 
separate boards for women?" He answers in the nega- 
tive: "The woman's board divides the stream of benevo- 
lence." 

Wednesday evening, the Rev. Zachary Eddy of De- 
troit, Michigan, preached the Council sermon from 
Hosea 14 : 5-7. Since the last triennial gathering, there 
had been marked spiritual interest in many of the 
churches. The sermon was decidedly evangelistic. He 
defined a true revival as "like a gentle rain falling upon 
fields mellowed by the plough and the harrow, and 
thickly sown with good seed." But he urged as of great- 
est importance, "regular, practical, unremitting Chris- 
tian work," giving as a reason that "great, periodical re- 
freshings, precious as they are, do not suffice to make 
the church perennially flourishing." 

Rev. Arthur Little, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, read 
a paper on "Fellowship and Union Meetings." It was 
followed by a general discussion stimulating and helpful 
because of practical suggestions. "One sign of a vital, 
aggressive Christianity is its inventiveness. Eager for 
new conquests, intent on fresh victories, it will find new 
lines of march, discover new points of attack, forge new 
weapons, venture upon new combinations and try new 
experiments. It is the glory of the gospel that it is still 
flexible and free in its methods. It is more and more 
clearly seen, as the vision becomes clarified, that there 
are ^diversities of gifts,' yet it is still the same spirit, the 
same Lord, 'the same God which worketh all in all.* 



92 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Among the manifold agencies owned and blessed of God, 
during the last three years, are 'Fellowship Meetings/ 
They grew out of the movement in the Oberlin Council 
for the organization of home missionary societies in the 
West. Home evangelization was their chief aim. They 
Tiave generally been managed by missionary committees 
or by the missionary superintendent. Properly begun 
and conducted, these meetings have usually grown in in- 
tensity and power to the end. Their primary purpose is 
not revival work, but to create and give practical ex- 
pression to the sentiment of Christian fellowship and fra- 
ternal sympathy among neighboring churches with a 
view to mutual helpfulness in spiritual things." 

" Blest be the tie that binds 

Our hearts in Christian love ; 
The fellowship of Christian minds 
Is like to that above." 

In the discussion which followed, it was repeatedly 
stated that, in the potent religious movements of recent 
years. East and West, under Moody, Needham, Ham- 
mond and other evangelists, the spiritual results were 
due in large measure to union effort. Pastors, it was 
declared, could at least assist each other, and thus 
double the force in the time of harvest. The power of 
the brotherhoods in the Roman Church was said to lie 
in the fact that the missionaries do not labor singly and 
alone. Congregationalism because of its polity is in 
peculiar need of just that strength that comes from 
united effort. 



THE DETROIT COUNCIL 95 

An overture on the observance of the Sabbath eHcited 
little interest. It is difficult to cast any new light upon 
this much debated theme. The action of the Council was 
sane and commendable : "We cordially and unanimously 
join the memorialists in emphasizing the supreme impor- 
tance of educating the great masses of our people to an 
intelligent recognition of the important social and civic 
advantages flowing from a reverent use of the Christian 
Sabbath, and of the serious, complicated, and widespread 
evils that accompany its desecration, by devoting it to 
the purposes either of pleasure or gain." From Presi- 
dent Woolsey of Yale a paper was received on "The 
Bible in the Public Schools." The members of the 
Council evidently were not all with him when, in his 
summary, he said, "I question very much whether the 
formal reading by rote of the Bible in the schools, as a 
school book, does so much good as to be justly regarded 
essential." It was referred to a committee, which re- 
ported later through its chairman. President Angell, urg- 
ing public sentiment "to prevent, if possible, the demand 
for the entire exclusion of the Bible from our public 
schools." President Bascom introduced the old prob- 
lem, "State Universities versus Denominational Col- 
leges." Over it, the debate waxed warm. Finally, the 
report of Rev. C. R. Palmer was adopted, "that the ordi- 
nary colleges cannot safely be abandoned, while, at the 
same time, there need be no antagonism to the universi- 
ties." 

The several national benevolent societies presented 



94 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

statements which were referred to committees. At this 
Council began the movement to organize a national so- 
ciety for providing assistance to disabled or aged min- 
isters. Rev. Justin E. Twitchell was the chairman of the 
committee having the matter in charge. 

An overture from the General Association of New 
Jersey was presented, received, referred to a committee 
of five, and answered. This communication raised the 
question whether the National Council was germane to 
Congregationalism. This overture is considered more 
at length in the chapter, "The Function of the Council." 

Rev. Henry Clay Trumbull, of Pennsylvania, read a 
paper on "Sunday-School Work; its Sphere and its 
Methods." Let us note in passing his definition: "By 
the Sunday-school I mean that department of the church 
in which Bible truth is taught by form of question and 
answer, to scholars gathered in groups under intelligent 
and disciplined teachers." 

The Committee on the Parish System, of which Rev. 
Samuel Wolcott was chairman, brought in an exhaustive 
report, — the longest ever presented to any of the sessions 
thus far. It fills nearly one hundred pages, in small type, 
of the published minutes of this assembly. Much subse- 
quent legislation in the several states of the Union has 
rendered this deliverance obsolete. 

A communication was received from the Rev. Prof. 
George E. Day of Yale, calling attention to the eminent 
propriety of the Council erecting a memorial to Rev. 
John Robinson. A committee was duly appointed, and 



THE DETROIT COUNCIL 95 

fourteen years later, at the close of the First Interna- 
tional Council, a beautiful tablet was unveiled with ap- 
propriate ceremonies in the city of Leyden, Holland. 

Sunday afternoon, in the First Church, the Council 
met in the closing session to observe the Lord's Supper. 
It was peculiarly fitting that this assembly should close 
in a service of tender and grateful remembrance. One 
of the best and most profitable of all the sessions of the 
Triennial thus ended. The Moderator declared the 
Council adjourned without day. 

The previous session was the dark hour for the Coun- 
cil. Circumstances tended to minimize the interest and 
discredit the proceedings. This session redeemed the 
Council. Of the fellowship which the Council forcibly 
expresses, the West feels the need more deeply than the 
East. In weakness, churches want not alone brother- 
hood, but to be mothered. If not fostered and encour- 
aged in the beginning, many die. The Council sent forth 
a note of cheer, calling to an enlarging privilege and 
duty, which went out to all the churches. 



THE "ST. LOUIS" COUNCIL 

The Fourth Session of the National Council, Held in St. Louis, 
Missouri, November 11 — 15, 1880. 

Moderator, REV. HENRY M. DEXTER. 
Preacher, REV. SAMUEL E. HERRICK. 



THE **ST. LOUIS" COUNCIL 

"This is an evil generation : they seek a sign," was the 
text of the sermon preached by invitation before the 
fourth session of the National Council by Rev. Samuel 
E. Herrick of Boston. Profitably, we could quote from 
this inspiring discourse : "This tendency to exalt a sign 
to the place of reality, or to put up paper for gold, when 
it arises in the religious hfe of a man or a people, is a 
disastrous thing." The closing words are worthy of re- 
membrance : "Signs of life are not life, because they may 
be manufactured. Life itself is the breath of God mov- 
ing upon the soul of man, humbled at his feet, lying open 
to his free and gracious and constant inspiration. In an 
organization like ours, the individual is peculiarly the 
unit of influence, not the church or the minister. The 
denomination must be what its humblest members are. 
The consecration of the whole is in the fidelity of its ele- 
ments. Let us make our order a power for God, by re- 
ceiving into our own souls the power of God." 

Deacon Amos C. Barstow of Rhode Island, as chair- 
man of the provisional committee, called the session to 
order. Rev. Henry M. Dexter of Boston was chosen 
Moderator. Rev. Julian M. Sturtevant of Iowa and Rev. 
John D. Smith of Alabama were elected his assistants. 

As usual, the roll of delegates contained many of the 
most forceful of the clergy and laity of the churches. 



100 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Alabama was represented for the first time in the Coun- 
cil. Rev. Henry S. De Forest, who gave his life to the 
education of our brother in black in Talladega, sat as a 
member. Rev. I. E. Dwinell came again from Sacra- 
mento, California. The first woman to be sent as a dele- 
gate to the Council came from Denver in the person of 
Miss Amanda R. Bell. It indicates very clearly the 
genius and spirit of our practice, that, when her name 
came before the committee on credentials, she was at 
once enrolled without question. Rev. C. M. Sanders, so 
long the faithful pastor in Cheyenne, Wyoming, was also 
in the Colorado delegation. Rev. Joseph Anderson was 
placed at the head of the large Connecticut body. The 
future pastor of Plymouth Church, Minneapolis, Rev. L. 
H. Hallock, left his parish at West Winsted. Rev. James 
B. Gregg, the dean of the Congregational corps of Colo- 
rado, in later years, was also from the Nutmeg State. 
An able company of deacons were of the party, — Benja- 
min Douglas of Middletown, Henry Sawyer, New Brit- 
ain, George M. Woodruff, Litchfield, Charles Benedict, 
Waterbury and John O. Couch, Middlefield. 

Dakota Territory sent two useful representatives in 
Revs. Stewart Sheldon and Joseph Ward of Yankton. 
Rev. Joseph E. Roy was one of the two men who 
brought their credentials from Georgia. John Deere, 
the extensive manufacturer, was sent by the Rock 
River Association of Illinois. Rev. Geo. C. Adams, later 
graduated from a St. Louis pastorate at the call of the 
"Old First," San Francisco, California, brought greet- 



THE ST. LOUIS COUNCIL loi 

ings from Alton. James W. Scoville, the honored lay- 
man of Oak Park, Rev. Jean F. Loba, Deacon Mason 
Bull, of Ottawa, and Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, whom 
the American Missionary Society was to choose later as 
its secretary, were of this goodly company. 

Indian Territory for the first time sent a delegate in 
Rev. Edward Morris of Caddo. Rev. Alvah L. Frisbie 
of Des Moines led the Iowa band, among whom were the 
veteran educator, Josiah L. Pickard of Iowa City, Rev. 
W. A. Waterman, Marion, John Meyer, Newton, 
and the Rev. Charles C. Cragin of McGregor. Rev. 
Daniel P. Kloss, who has so long served faithfully in 
Arizona since, came from Kansas, as did Deacon Ed- 
win Tucker of Eureka and Rev. James G. Dougherty, 
Ottawa. 

The expanding influence of the communion is shown 
in the coming of Rev. W. S. Alexander from New Or- 
leans. Maine did not send a large delegation. Among 
the thirteen were Deacons J. L. H. Cobb, Samuel L. 
Boynton and William E. Gould. At the head of the list 
elected by the General Association of Massachusetts 
stood Rev. Charles D. Barrows, whose premature death 
is mourned in San Francisco. G. Henry Whitcomb, the 
prominent layman of Worcester, Rev. Egbert C. Symth 
of Andover Seminary, Rev. Mason Noble, Sheffield, and 
Deacon Charles A. Richardson of the Congregationalist 
were of the party; which also included Rev. W. S. 
Hawkes, later to be called to frontier work in Utah, Rev, 
Albert H. Currier, who had not then gone to Oberlin, 



I02 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Deacon Frank B. Knowles, the wise counselor of the 
chiurches in Worcester, and Rev. Michael Burnham of 
Fall River. 

Michigan, among others, commissioned Revs. Leroy 
Warren, A. Hastings Ross, the able writer on our church 
polity, Warren F. Day, Jesse H. Hough and J. Newton 
Brown. The new superintendent of the state home mis- 
sionary society of Minnesota, Rev. L. H. Cobb, was as- 
sociated with Deacon David C. Bell of Minneapolis, 
Revs. Reuben A. Beard of Brainerd, George A. Hood 
and John W. Bradshaw. The host of the occasion ful- 
filled the duties graciously as only Constans L. Goodell 
could; but he had able and kindly associates in Revs. 
Truman M. Post of St. Louis, P. B. West of Lamar, and 
Nathan J. Morrison of North Springfield. 

Nebraska took advantage of the proximity of the place 
of meeting and sent a strong delegation, led by Rev. 
Edmund B. Fairfield of Lincoln. Rev. Lyman Abbott 
brought greetings from' New York, as did Rev. John C. 
Holbrook, who was spared to write his "Memoirs" when 
past ninety years of age. Rev. Edward Beecher, Rev. 
Frederick W. Beecher and Rev. Henry L. Hubbell of 
West Newark. Not only the Nation goes to Ohio for 
her presidents, but our churches find in the Buckeye 
State a never failing source of supply, which is well il- 
lustrated in the delegation to this Council. Revs. Josiah 
Strong and Frank Russell, later to be associated in gen*- 
eral work, Rev. William Kincaid and Rev. C. H. Daniels, 
both since called to the secretaryship of national socie- 



THE ST. LOUIS COUNCIL 103 

ties, Rev. Russell T. Hall, and Hon. William H. Upson 
of Akron were in the company. Pennsylvania, which, by 
the way, has never been a strong factor in the Council, 
had but one representative. Rev. Henry C. Crane. Rev. 
Benjamin A. Imes came from Memphis, Rev. John J. 
Wooley from Pawtucket and Rev. Lewis O. Brastow 
from Burlington. 

"All hail the power of Jesus' name," was sung and an 
address of welcome of rare felicity made all the guests 
feel at home at once. In the beginning of the session 
several memorials were presented praying for a re- 
statement of the faith of the Pilgrim churches. We 
can do no better than quote from the petition presented 
by the Ohio delegation. The resolutions were originally 
prepared by the Rev. James Brand and adopted by the 
State Association. The prelude reads : "We, the mem- 
bers of the Congregational Association of Ohio, believ- 
ing that there is a widespread desire among the churches 
of our own and other States for a restatement of our 
Congregational symbol, — a formula that shall not be 
mainly a re-affirmation of former confessions, but shall 
state in precise terms in our living tongue the doctrines 
which we hold to-day." Continuing, the memorial calls 
attention to the inadequacy of the Savoy Declaration of 
1658, as well as the much later "Burial Hill" declaration. 
Upon the same subject, the overture presented by Min- 
nesota said, "There is doctrinal unrest. Good men are 
♦examining the foundations of our faith. The creeds of 
atheism, infidelity, and agnosticism were never more 



104 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

widely promulgated than to-day. The evangelical creed 
was never more plausibly caricatured than to-day. If our 
churches, through the National Council, can have grace 
given them to make a testifying statement of their belief 
in the old doctrines, and again so define these doctrines 
in modem phraseology that the world shall know exactly 
what we believe, their action will stimulate thought and 
will promote discussion, the outcome of which will be 
favorable to evangelical truth." 

These memorials, together with an able paper, "A 
New Declaration of Faith," read by Rev. Hiram Mead 
of Oberlin, provoked a long and exceedingly profitable 
discussion. It was indeed gratifying beyond expression, 
that, though the churches of our order had spread over a 
vast continent, the unanimity with regard tO' creed was 
indisputably manifest. A committee was appointed, to 
which were committed the several memorials, with the 
request that they report to the next session of the Na- 
tional Council in 1883. 

At this point. Rev. Alexander Hannay, the Secretary 
of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, was 
invited to address the body. He spoke with deep feeling 
of "the bond's of Christian fellowship between the two 
great confederations of Congregational churches, which, 
though separated by the ocean, still preserve, in the ab- 
sence of any formal bond of association, the most pro- 
found reverence for the memory of their common ecclesi- 
astical ancestry, and an unshaken loyalty to those prin- 
ciples for which their fathers struggled so nobly." 



THE ST. LOUIS COUNCIL 105 

The Committee appointed at the last session on the 
"valuable and exhaustive essay" on the Parish System 
brought in their report, "That societies thus organized 
to aid the church in secular affairs, but not controlling 
her spiritual interests or arrangements, may be impor- 
tant and valuable aids in building up the Redeemer's 
Kingdom in the world." 

The failure to call councils to* install pastors had been 
more and more manifest. The previous session had ap- 
pointed a strong committee with Prof. Egbert C. Smyth 
as chairman to consider and report on "Ministerial 
Responsibility and Standing." Their report, prepared 
with great care, is by far the most comprehensive declara- 
tion upon the subject which at that time had been made. 
They conceived the problem before them to be : "First, 
how is standing in the Congregational ministry ac- 
quired? Second, how, under the Congregational polity, 
is ministerial responsibility maintained?" The ultimate 
decision was, that "the certification of ministerial stand- 
ing by local ecclesiastical organizations is, in our judg- 
ment, a legitimate and timely provision for the protection 
and purity of the ministry." 

As usual, statements of the several national societies 
were presented by accredited delegates having no votes. 

Dakota sent a memorial calling attention to the in- 
creasing friction and discord in the Christian work 
among the Indians. Rev. Frederick A. Noble read a 
paper vividly showing the growing power of Mormon- 
ism and the pressing need for mission schools in the 



io6 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Rocky Mountain region. "To go forward in our spirit- 
ual conquest of the New West by way of the Christian 
school is just now the most practicable of all methods," 
he declared. The committee to which the paper was re- 
ferred reported later : "We heartily agree with its declara- 
tion that the evils are gigantic, the peril imminent, and 
the call for some speedy remedy urgent." "For more than 
a year," it was shown, the "New West Education Com- 
mission" had been organized. They also recommended 
that this new Society secure from the American Home 
Missionary Society "the hearty acceptance and vigorous 
prosecution of the special work for which the Commis- 
sion has been organized." But should this plan fail, the 
new society was "heartily commended to the prayers 
and practical cooperation of the churches." 

It is doubtless already apparent that this session was 
marked by the presentation of able papers which were to 
have far-reaching influence. Such a one was the ex- 
haustive report, brought in by the representative com- 
mittee appointed three years before, on "Pastorless 
Churches and Churchless Pastors." 

In the response to the greetings sent by the Congre- 
gational Union of England and Wales, was included the 
prophetic hope, "that at an early day there may be ar- 
ranged an International Congregational Conference to 
promote the general weal of the churches of our faith 
and order in all parts of the world." 

In the afternoon of the Lord's Day, the members of 
the Council united with Pilgrim Church in the Lord's 



THE ST. LOUIS COUNCIL 107 

Supper, administered by Rev. Edward Beecher of New 
York and Rev. George H. Atkinson of Oregon. 

As, at the last session, memorials had been received 
voicing lack of confidence in the Council, so also sev- 
eral were presented at this session. They were referred 
to a committee, consisting of Revs. George Leon Walker^ 
Constans L. Goodell, Samuel Wolcott and Deacon Chas. 
A. Richardson. Their report was adopted. "This 
Council has received with great respect the memorials 
.... and feels constrained to express its conviction 
that the existence of a National Council, under the pres- 
ent constitution and rules, is not only a safe and useful 
bond of fellowship among our churches, and a means of 
great possible benefit to them, but is an instrument vin- 
dicated in its employment, and by the churches generally 
approved. 

"Second, this National Council, in the future as in the 
past, should welcome any suggestions which may pro- 
miote its best efficiency." 

"Blest be the tie that binds" was sung as a parting 
hymn. It expressed the rare fellowship in Christ which 
made memorable to all who were privileged to share in 
its "Blessings, the session held in Pilgrim Church in St. 
Louis. 



THE "CONCORD" COUNCIL 

The Fifth Session of the National Council, Held in Concord, New 
Hampshire, October 11 — 15, 1883. 

Moderator, REV. ARTHUR LITTLE 
Preacher, REV. F. A. NOBLE. 



THE «* CONCORD" COUNCIL 

No session of the Council has ever been held under 
more unfavorable circumstances than the fifth, which 
convened Oct. ii, 1883, in the South Church in Concord, 
New Hampshire. Uncertainty prevailed, not only as to 
the time and place of meeting, but as to the gathering 
itself. Just where the blame must be placed need not 
now be discussed. At any rate, it is safe to say, the ma- 
chinery did not run smoothly in preparation. The at- 
tendance was the smallest of all the sessions thus far. 
Only two hundred and thirty-two elected delegates 
presented themselves. But, what was of even greater 
moment, the convention was a provincial one to a de- 
gree. One hundred and forty-one, or considerably 
more than half, were from the six New England States. 

After half an hour spent in devotional exercises, from 
nominations without remark, Rev. Arthur Little, of Illi- 
nois, was called to preside over the assembly as Modera- 
tor. Hon Samuel W. Hale, Governor of the Com- 
monwealth, Edgar H. Woodman, Mayor of Concord, 
and Rev. Franklin D. Ayer, pastor of the First Church, 
gave addresses of welcome to the State and city. The 
organization was completed by the election of the nec- 
essary officers, among whom were the two assistant 
moderators, Frederick Billings of Vermont and Rev. 
Gushing Eells of Washington Territory. 



112 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The roll, as usual, included many of the prominent 
men of the pulpits and pews of our churches. Southern 
California was represented for the first time, sending 
Deacon M. H. Crafts of San Bernardino. The northern 
half of the State commissioned Rev. Thomas K. Noble of 
San Francisco. From out of the shadows of Pike's Peak 
came Rev. Warren F. Bickford of Manitou. The other 
Colorado delegate was Rev. E. P. Tenney of Colorado 
Springs. Dakota did remarkably well, being present in 
the persons of no less than five representatives. 

Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, had only one messenger 
each. So also Utah, which sent Rev. Delavan L. Leonard 
of Salt Lake ; Minnesota commissioned Rev. Charles E. 
Page of Crookston. Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ore- 
gon were not represented in the Council. Jonathan N. 
Harris, the philanthropic layman of New London, was 
elected by the General Conference of Connecticut; so 
also were Simeon E. Baldwin, the well-known jurist of 
New Haven, Rev. James W. Cooper of New Britain, and 
George W. Woodrufif of Litchfield. 

Iowa, always loyal to the Council, sent among others. 
Revs. George F. Magoun, William M. Brooks, William 
P. Bennett, Thomas G. Grassie, who was soon to take 
the helm of the Missionary Society in Wisconsin, Moses 
K. Cross and Charles Gibbs. Maine commissioned only 
three laymen among the twenty, John B. Bradbury of 
Waterville, Deacon Peter E. Vose, Dennysville, and 
George B. Barrows, Fryeburg. Massachusetts carried 
off the honors as usual with a delegation numbering an 



THE CONCORD COUNCIL 113 

even half-hundred, among whom were Rev. Henry M. 
Dexter, Deacon Samuel Johnson, the helper in all good 
works, Revs. S. Leroy Blake, Payson W. Lyman, Ezra 
Hoyt Byington, Smith Baker, George R. Leavitt and 
Willard G. Sperry, whom Olivet was to call later as pres- 
ident. An especially strong body of deacons went up 
to the conference, Samuel B. Capen, Henry M. Moore, 
James H. Dean, J. R. Carter and Lyman D. Thurston. 

Michigan was honored in Deacon Byron McCutcheon, 
a future assistant moderator, and Philo Parsons, Esq., of 
Detroit. Among the clergy were Rev. A. Hastings 
Ross, W. W. Lyle, Moses Smith and Charles O. Brown. 
President Samuel C. Bartlett was at the head of the New 
Hampshire delegation, which was the largest the State 
had ever had in any session thus far held. Deacons Guil- 
ford Dudley, William B. Edwards and A. L. Judson 
came from the Empire State. Revs. C. C. Creegan, 
Samuel H. Virgin, William E. Park, William L Chal- 
mers and Henry L. Hubbell were of this party. 

Vermont delegates did not have far to go, hence sev- 
enteen were present at this session, led by Rev. Henry 
Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury. David M. Camp, Newport, 
Stephen G. Butler, Essex, Joseph Poland, Montpelier, 
and Homer Goodhue, Westminster, were well known 
laymen who were present. Familiar names to many 
among the clergy were James G. Johnson, George E. 
Hall, Austin Hazen and Charles H. Merrill. 

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just 
for the unjust, that he might bring us to God," were 



114 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

the words of the text, found in i Peter 3: 18, 
from which the Rev. Frederick A. Noble of Chicago 
preached the Council sermon. "What I conceive to be 
the high and pressing business of the Church is, to bring 
men to God, — all classes and conditions of them to God. 
Any new interest or impulse in this service is an ample 
justification of any Christian gathering. Men may well 
come from the East and the West, from the North and 
from the South, and sit together in conference, and bow 
together in prayer, if they only go back again more in- 
telligently and earnestly determined to dO' what in them 
lies to bring other men to God. Not a little remains for 
us in this direction. Our Congregational churches have 
indicated their loyalty to the primitive principles of the 
gospel ; to liberty, to learning, tO' morality ; to^ reforms, 
to missions ; but it is an achievement still left us to stand 
unrivaled in going to the bottom of society, in reaching 
out into all classes and nationalities of society, and bring- 
ing them to God. What a sphere for earnestness ! How 
becoming a high moral enthusiasm !" 

Those who have attended several of the sessions of the 
Council have more than once expressed disappointment 
in the sermons preached before the assembled delegates 
from a broad continent. The realization has undoubt- 
edly too often failed to attain the anticipation. The fame 
of the successful pastor of the large Union Park Church, 
Chicago, had preceded the preacher. Suffice it to say, 
in every respect, the occasion equaled to the full all ex- 
pectations. Not a few regarded the sermon and the 



THE CONCORD COUNCIL 115 

devotional half-hours the rewarding blessings of the ses- 
sion in Concord. 

Rev. A. H. Quint, the Secretary of the Council, re- 
ported 3,936 churches at date, a net increase of 262 
churches in three years. Two thirds as many became 
extinct, — a fact which provoked an animated discussion. 
The membership was stated to be 387,619, indicating a 
net yearly increase since the last triennial gathering of 
1,693. Ministers in good standing were reported to 
number 3,723, of whom 1,200 were without charge. "Our 
system is a most wasteful system, in the lack of facilities 
for putting together the sufficient number of ministers 
and the sufficient number of churches. We waste a 
fourth of our strength." The year-books cost the Council 
about $3,000 each year. A debt of over $2,000 was re- 
ported paid. 

One of the most suggestive papers was read by Rev. 
George B. Spalding of Manchester, New Hampshire, on 
"The Relation of Children to the Church." An earnest 
and tender sympathy for childhood throughout the en- 
tire paper appealed to all. 

A cordial salutation, written by Rev. Edward Everett 
Hale, was received from the Council of the Conference 
of Unitarian Churches in America : "Like yourselves, we 
are determined to maintain the freedom of the Congre- 
gational order ; like yourselves, while retaining that free- 
dom at home, we seek for organizations strong enough 
and compact enough for victory over the common 
enemy." 



Ii6 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

As usual, the representatives of the theological semi- 
naries and the benevolent societies made statements in- 
dicating their conditions, needs and prospects. 

The approaching fourth centennial of the birthday of 
Martin Luther received fitting recognition, the Council 
testifying "to its profound admiration of the man and his 
work, and to its desire to unite with all who devoutly rec- 
ognize his eminent services to the Church of Christ, and 
to human welfare, in perpetuating his memory." 

The education of the Indians was brought very forci- 
bly before the conference in an earnest address by Rev. 
Joseph Ward. Resolutions favoring aggressive temper- 
ance legislation and work were passed. One of the 
strongest commendations ever given a national society 
was the following : — "That this National Council, in this, 
its fifth triennial session, earnestly renews its commenda- 
tion of the work of the New West Education Commis- 
sion, and urgently presses upon our churches the obli- 
gation to give to it that prayerful and hearty sympathy, 
and that prompt and generous financial support, which 
its past record, its present activity and future prospects 
entitle it to receive." 

The Sunday services proved helpful and uplifting. In 
the First Church, at the usual hour of morning worship, 
the Moderator, Rev. Arthur Little, preached from Gala- 
tians 6 : 14 : "But God forbid that I should glory, save in 
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." At the close of the 
sermon the members of the Council united with the 
church in the Lord's Supper administered by Rev. Israel 



THE CONCORD COUNCIL 117 

P. Warren of Maine and Rev. Samuel Wolcott of Ohio. 
The pressing needs of disabled ministers, widows and 
orphans received careful attention. 

A very valuable paper to all students of the history of 
our church was one entitled "Congregationalism in the 
Southern States," presented by Rev. M. E. Strieby. Vir- 
ginia and South Carolina especially had a goodly share 
of Puritans among the early settlers and several churches 
of our order were established. Some of these organiza- 
tions became strong and prosperous. Eventually, how- 
ever, from various causes, all either died or were merged 
into other communions, save the famous Circular Church 
of Charleston, founded in 1690. 

After the usual vote of thanks the Council adjourned 
without day. 



THE "CHICAGO" COUNCIL- 

The Sixth Session of the National Council, Held in Chicago, 
Illinois, October 13 — 20, 1886. 

Moderator, HON. L. A. COOKE. 
Preacher, PROF. GEORGE P. FISHER. 



THE *' CHICAGO" COUNCIL 

The churches of Chicago had invited the Council dur- 
ing the session sitting in Concord to hold their next 
meeting as their guests. The preparations were thor- 
ough and elaborate; the welcome most hearty. Three 
hundred and fifty-nine delegates, representing 4,300 
churches, 4,000 ministers and 450,000 members gathered 
in Union Park Church at 10 A.M., Wednesday, October 
13, 1886. 

Samuel B. Capen of the Provisional Committee called 
the assembly to order; Rev. Smith Baker led in 
prayer. In the evening of the first day, the Cotmcil 
engaged in public worship with the Union Park Church. 
The Rev. Prof. George Park Fisher, the distinguished 
teacher of Church History in Yale University, had been 
requested to preach the sermon. He chose his text from 
Paul's first epistle to the Christians of Corinth, third 
chapter, eleventh verse : "For other foundation can no 
man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 
The theme was "Catholicity, True and False." He de- 
clared the great apostle was "a living confutation of the 
idea that breadth is incompatible with fervor. Charity, 
you will hear it said, can only be gained at the expense of 
zeal : the secret of ardor is to see but one side. Listen to 
the marvelous words, coming from a man born and edu- 



122 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

cated as he was : 'There is no distinction between Jew 
and Greek/ Plato, with all his spirituality, never soared 
to that height. He never rose to that extent above the 
pride of nationality. And it is plain, in the first place, 
that the catholicity of the apostle is not indifferentism. 
He does not tell the church that the creed is of no mo- 
ment. He is no patron of the scornful type of agnosti- 
cism which Pontius Pilate represented, when with curling 
lip, he inquired, 'What is truth?' Secondly, it is evident, 
the apostle anticipated a growth of Christian theology 
and ethics beyond the elementary principles. The apos- 
tle thought poorly of that intellectual unrest which drove 
Athenians every day to the Agora in quest of some novel 
speculation, — ^to speak or to hear some new thing. Nor 
did he put a high estimate on the practical effect of 
Greek philosophical thought in saving men from athe- 
ism and immorality. But to a Christian philosophy, 
neither his time or mind nor anything in his writings 
indicates that he was averse. 

*'What is the one foundation? The answer of the apos- 
tle is brief. It is Jesus Christ. Notice that it is no 
abstraction. It is no theory of the universe, such as 
philosophy or natural religion might propound. It is a 
living person. To the Christians of the New Testament 
age, Jesus was a person as real as Peter or Paul. So, 
within the pale of the church, we need to bring home to 
the heart and imagination the living personality of 
Jesus ; to think of him as one whose conscious, personal 
life and sympathetic heart are not less real to-day than 



THE CHICAGO COUNCIL 123 

when he sat in the synagogue at Nazareth, or conversed 
with the disciples at the Last Supper. Where shall we 
look for the bond of fellowship among Christians? Not 
in any of the forms of church organization. You might 
as well identify the souls of your friends with the houses 
they live in. We Congregationalists ought to know how 
to cling to liberty, and at the same time to draw a line 
between liberty and license. We ought to know how to 
combine intellectual freedom with loyalty to the funda- 
mental truth of the Gospel. Freedom and order are both 
ours by inheritance." 

Upon the calling of the roll, it was at once apparent that 
there was an unusual proportion of men who had not 
before sat in the sessions of the Council. Arizona and 
New Mexico were represented for the first time, sending 
Revs. Charles B. Sumner and Thomas L. Gulick. Ala- 
bama sent two and Colorado four. The clerical party 
from Connecticut mustered an even score, among whom 
were Samuel M. Freeland, William H. Holman, Joseph 
H. Twichell, Burdett Hart, Graham Taylor, Joel S. Ives 
and Charles S. Brooks. Four crossed the continent to 
represent California. Dakota had recently witnessed ex- 
traordinary development, and commissioned Revs. David 
Wirt, A. A. Brown, Reuben A. Beard, Henry C. Sim- 
mons and Charles Seccombe. Rev. Russell T. Hall was 
the sole delegate from Florida. The General Associa- 
tion of Illinois placed first on the list Rev. J. C. Arm- 
strong, the experienced Superintendent of the Chicago 
Missionary Society. Revs. William Windsor, Flavel 



124 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Bascom, John W. Bradshaw, Edward P. Goodwin, War- 
ren F. Day, Edward F. Williams, Theodore Clifton and 
William A. Hobbs were his associates. J. L. Pickard, 
Nathan P. Dodge, David Burder, O. H. Lyon and Rob- 
ert Wright were strong laymen who were delegates from 
Iowa. The growth of the Western States at this period 
is indicated by the fact that Kansas had fourteen men in 
the Council, whereas Maine sent but ten. 

Massachusetts sent fifty-one, which exceeded by one 
the largest delegation the State had ever had in any pre- 
vious session. It is noticeable, in examining the lists of 
the several Councils, that the Old Bay State has not prac- 
ticed rotation to the degree the others have. Hence we 
find many famiUar names, — Revs. H. M. Dexter, A. H. 
Quint, Henry A. Hazen and William D. Love. 

William G. Puddefoot, who was later to take the 
United States for his parish, brought greetings from 
Michigan. From the same state also came Revs. Leroy 
Warren, Franklin Noble, A. Hastings Ross, William H. 
Davis and William H. Ryder. 

Rev. Marcus W. Montgomery, the large-hearted 
bishop of the Scandinavians, and his successor in office, 
Rev. S. F. V. Fisher, were from the North Star State. 
Revs. William H. Medlar and Edward F. Noyes brought 
credentials from the North Pacific Conference. 

Rev. James G. Merrill, since called to the presidency 
of Fisk University, hailed from Missouri — as did Revs. 
Henry Hopkins and George S. Ricker. Mississippi had 
two seats in the Council and Montana sent its first dele- 



THE CHICAGO COUNCIL 125 

gate in Rev. S. A. Wallace. The Nebraska phalanx, 
containing among the preachers Harmon Bross, Willard 
Scott, George E. Albrecht and Edward H. Ashmun, was 
equal in numbers to the New Hampshire body which had 
Revs. George E. Street, George E. Hall, Samuel C. 
Bartlett and J. C. RoUins. 

One marked characteristic of the session was that the 
proportion of laymen was the smallest of any so far held. 
Several of the leading laymen of the churches, however, 
were present, such as William H. Wanamaker and Al- 
fred Wood from the New Jersey Association. New York 
has never shown much interest in the Council, but among 
the delegates to this session were Revs. Lyman Abbott, 
C. C. Creegan, William E. Park, William A. Robinson, 
George F. Pentecost and Samuel H. Virgin. 

Rev. William S. Ament, who has since won renown 
in China, was in the Ohio party, among whom also were 
Revs. Josiah Strong, E. V. H. Banner, Julian M. vSturte- 
vant, Washington Gladden and S. W. Meek. Oregon 
and Pennsylvania each sent two delegates. Three 
answered to their names from Rhode Island and Ten- 
nessee. Rev. George M. Sanborne traveled from Texas, 
Rev. Edward A. Benner from Utah and Rev. C. C. Otis 
from Washington. By vote of the last session the list of 
honorary members was very much increased, no less than 
fifty of this class being eligible to the privileges of the 
session. 

The organization resulted in the election of Lorrin A. 
Cooke, of Connecticut, as Moderator. California con- 



126 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

tributed one of the Assistant Moderators, Rev. J. K. 
McLean, and Tennessee the other, Rev. Benjamin A. 
Imes. A social feature, which left only happy memories, 
was a reception tendered the members of the Council by 
the Chicago Congregational Club in the First Church. 

To review in the brief space at command the proceed- 
ings of this session is a difficult task indeed. So many 
and voluminous were the reports of the many commit- 
tees that the minutes fill 386 pages, making a larger vol- 
ume than the published record of any other session be- 
fore or since. No complete index or thorough digest has 
ever been made. This task awaits some lover of the 
churches who is not afraid to work. 

The last session, in Concord, had voiced its desire, in 
instructions to the Provisional Committee, "to give am- 
ple time for the consideration of subjects relating to the 
pastorate, the fellowship of the churches, and their prac- 
tical work." Seven subjects came over, also, by refer- 
ence to a standing committee. These were Sunday- 
School Work, Monument to John Robinson, The Pas- 
torate and Ministerial Standing, Systematic Giving, Min- 
isterial Relief, Indian Affairs and Accessions to the 
Churches. The Provisional Committee submitted an 
important report for approval, recommending six amend- 
ments to the By-laws and suggesting other changes in 
the administration of the conference. They made the 
gratifying announcement that the debt of over $3,000 
against the Council had all been paid. 

An unusual number of memorials were also presented ; 



THE CHICAGO COUNCIL 127 

some of them important, but the majority of ephemeral 
interest only. It was a time when the "Indian Question" 
was prominent in the public eye. Mormonism was rap- 
idly gaining strength and showing more defiance. The 
New West Education Commission, therefore, was several 
times before the body. Up to this time, the Year Book 
had been compiled with reports taken at sixteen different 
dates during the year. A petition prayed that the sta- 
tistical year might be made to conform with the calendar 
year and thus bring about uniformity and accuracy. The 
Enrichment of Worship also' came before the session by 
petition. The olive branch of peace and fraternity was 
extended to the Free Baptists, from whom certain over- 
tures had been received. 

An organization, then five years old, which has since 
extended its beneficent influences into all lands, was of- 
ficially noticed in the passing of the following resolution, 
"Resolved : That this Council looks with favor upon the 
work accomplished by the Young People's Society of 
Christian Endeavor; recognizes the hand of Providence 
in bringing forward this method of Christian nurture; 
and commends it to the earnest consideration of the 
pastors and churches." 

It was reported that "The Trustees of the National 
Council of the Congregational Churches of the United 
States" had been incorporated under the laws of Connec- 
ticut the previous winter. This act was ratified by the 
Council. The Committee on Ministerial Relief made a 
long and comprehensive report, which had much to do 



128 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

with inciting in the hearts of all who heard it new zeal 
for the proper assistance of the veterans in the Master's 
service. The gift of $10,000 to this fund was reported 
from the estate of Mrs. Helen C. Knowles and due ac- 
knowledgment was made to the executors. 

The preceding week a very memorable annual meet- 
ing of the American Board had been held in Des Moines. 
Many had come from the enthusiasm of the gathering 
to the Council. At any rate, this session held in Chicago 
is to be remembered for the prominence given evangeli- 
zation. Rev. M. W. Montgomery aroused a large audi- 
ence in urging eloquently the needs of the Scandinavi- 
ans. City evangelism was as earnestly pleaded ; and the 
very satisfactory results of the Chicago Missionary So- 
ciety emphasized the plea. In this line was presented a 
paper, filling thirty pages of the published minutes, on 
"The Relation of the Congregational Churches to the 
Work of Evangelization" by Rev. George F. Pentecost. 
The theological seminaries and national benevolent so- 
cities all made statements as usual. Rev. Alonzo H. 
Quint had been asked to write upon the question, "How 
to Utilize our Ministerial Forces." The array of statistics 
presented, defining the constant waste in the practical 
application of our theory of church government, made a 
profound impression. One thousand one hundred and 
seventy ministers were without pastoral service and over 
one thousand churches had no' shepherds. In ten years, 
665 churches had been lost to the denomination, and 
during a period that witnessed remarkable develop- 



THE CHICAGO COUNCIL 129 

ment in the country at large. "How to lessen 
the loss of time by intervals between pastorates," 
he declared a momentous problem worthy of the 
best thought of Congregationalism. After a review 
of the various polities of different communions, 
he unhesitatingly pronounces that of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church the best. The diocesan bishop is a 
conserving power, and in the office of the missionary 
superintendent in the Western States, we have what 
most nearly approaches him. The consideration of the 
theme had forced upon him the "inner aspect" as well as 
the "outer," the machinery of ecclesiasticism. 

A resolution setting forth the increasing prevalence of 
divorce and deploring the evil resulting therefrom was 
offered and passed. It was also voted "That all titles be 
omitted except 'Rev.' 'Deacon,' and 'Professor' in mak- 
ing up the roll of the Council." By formal vote the 
importance of ecclesiastical councils for the installation 
of pastors was emphasized. A deliverance was also made, 
after long discussion, upon the subject of "Ministerial 
Standing." It was declared that it is acquired by the ful- 
filment of three conditions : namely, i, membership in a 
Congregational Church; 2, ordination to the Christian 
ministry ; and 3, "reception as an ordained minister into 
the fellowship of the Congregational Churches, in ac- 
cordance with the usage of the state or territorial organi- 
zation of churches in which the applicant may reside." 

The Council instructed the Provisional Committee in 
future "to relegate, as far as practicable, the transaction 



130 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

of business to the morning sessions, and devote the after- 
noon and evening sessions to the reading of papers, the 
presentation of reports, and discussions thereon." After 
the usual vote extending thanks to all who had had part 
in entertaining the Council, the following remarkable 
minute was ordered entered upon the records, "It is 
the desire of this Council to express its gratitude to Al- 
mighty God, for the spirit of seriousness and charity 
which have appeared in our proceedings." It was a fit- 
ting comment on the most enjoyable and profitable ses- 
sion the Council had thus far held. After prayer and 
benediction, the Moderator declared the sixth triennial 
session dissolved. 



THE "WORCESTER" COUNCIL 

The Seventh Session of the National Council, Held in Worcester. 
Massachusetts, October 9— 14, 1889. 

Moderator, PRESIDENT CYRUS NORTHROP, 
Preacher, REV. PROF. ISRAEL E. DWINELL. 



THE ** WORCESTER" COUNCIL 

Evangelism was the key-note of the last session in 
Chicago as spirituality had been of the one which had 
preceded it, held in Concord. This session was to leave 
an indelible impress because of the positive, unequivocal 
enunciation of the polity of the churches. As each ses- 
sion has been, so to speak, a sensitive plate upon which 
are left pictured the conditions, need's and aspirations of 
the denomination at the time, so in Worcester, through 
long debate, was evolved the doctrine which we believe 
will stand. 

Hon. Lorrin A. Cooke of Connecticut called the 
seventh session of the National Council to order Wednes- 
day morning, October 9, 1889, in Plymouth Church, 
Worcester, Mass. The membership of the churches in 
the United States had made a net gain of 57,000 since 
the last session and now numbered 475,608. There were 
4,568 churches, a gain in the three years of 399, which 
was chiefly in the North Mississippi Valley States. The 
Sunday-schools had made, in that period, a gain of 'J2^- 
200 scholars, and the churches averaged 104 members 
each, an increase of four. 

Cyrus Northrop, formerly a professor in Yale Univer- 
sity, now president of the University of Minnesota, was 
chosen to preside over the deliberations of the session. 



134 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Missionaries "actually employed" in the service of the 
American Board were "invited to sit as honorary mem- 
bers" of the body. 

At the Jubilee Meeting held in Melbourne, Victoria, 
resolutions were enthusiastically passed which were for- 
warded to the Congregational Union of England and 
Wales, calling for a "General Council representative of 
Congregationalism in all parts of the world" to be "con- 
vened in London, at as early date as possible." The 
overture was very heartily received in England, and by 
the Mother Country endorsed, and sent forth to all lands 
where our faith had taken root. Rev. Alexander Mac- 
kennal was commissioned to bear the above greeting and 
request to the Council. He most happily presented the 
salutations in an address of rare power. Before the close 
of the session, the Council appointed the necessary com- 
mittees, empowering them to proceed with the prepara- 
tions for the General Council. The result, as we know, 
was the First International Council of the Congregation- 
al Churches, held in London, July, 1891. 

The several reports of the Treasurer, Auditor and 
Secretary indicated the finances and work of the Council 
to be in much better condition than at any time since 
organization. The evening of the opening day was made 
memorable by an address by Rev. Richard S. Storrs on 
the missionary work in foreign lands. 

The attendance upon the session in Concord was 
marked by the large proportion of New England men. 
In Chicago, in 1886, the Western States were conspicu- 



THE WORCESTER COUNCIL 135 

ous by their large representation. In this session, for 
the first time in the history of the Council, the South 
was to be prominent ; not alone because of the number, 
but rather because of the controversy that arose over 
the principles which should govern representation, and 
the reception of contending delegations. 

Rev. Henry S. De Forest, who' had before brought 
the greetings of Alabama, again sat as a member from 
that State. Rev. L. H. Frary came from the orange 
groves of Southern California. Rev. Bela N. Seymour 
brought credentials from the Washington Conference of 
the District of Columbia. Revs. R. T. Hall and S. F. 
Gale, the veteran home missionary superintendent, were 
from Florida, which had had an era of development 
and prosperity. It is very noticeable in examining criti- 
cally the roll of the Triennials from time to time that the 
lay delegates come almost wholly from the stronger 
states. Some of the states, in which our Communion is 
weak, have never been represented by laymen. This is a 
decided weakness of the Council, and violates an unwrit- 
ten law at least of our polity. Connecticut chose from 
the pew Nathaniel Shipman, David N. Camp, Leonard 
J. Sandford, James H. Lindsey, Amasa Chandler and 
Samuel T. Dayton. Revs. J. E. Roy, E. A. Adams, G. S. 
F. Savage, F. A. Noble, N. H. Whittlesey, Charles L. 
Morgan and Stephen A. Norton were delegated to repre- 
sent Illinois. Iowa gave credentials to a score of men, 
among whom were Nathan P. Dodge, George H. Lewis, 
J. B. Grinnell and Revs. George A. Gates, W. M. 



136 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Brooks, Alden B. Robbins, M. A. Holyoke and 
Ephraim Adams. 

Revs. H. L. Hubbell and Cyrus I. Scofield, from 
Louisiana, joined hands with the Maine fraternity, Galen 

C. Moses, George T. Little, E. F. Duren, Peter E. Vose, 
James Graham and Revs. Frank T. Bayley, E. P. Wilson, 
Leavitt H. Hallock and Charles H. Pope. The Old Bay 
State again broke its magnificent record, this time send- 
ing sixty picked men. The General Association of the 
state selected, among a dozen, only one layman, James 

D. Pike. Mississippi's sole representative was the Rev. 
-F. G. Woodworth, who has been so long the guiding 
spirit of the school at Tougaloo. Among the Minnesota 
brethren were Revs. C. F. Thwing, J. H. Morley, M. W. 
Montgomery, J. H. Chandler and E. M. Williams. Mon- 
tana commissioned Superintendent Henry C. Simmons. 
The General Association of New Mexico and Arizona 
sent the Principal of New West Academy in Las Vegas, 
Rev. W. H. Ashley. Deacon Samuel Holmes, Revs. W. 
W. Patton and A. H. Bradford had come from New Jer- 
sey. Oregon and Washington were unrepresented ; and 
Pennsylvania, whose representation in the Council has 
always been weak, sent but two. Rhode Island had four 
delegates, Tennessee two, Texas and Utah one each. 
An even score of able men hailed from Vermont, the 
strongest body the State had thus far sent to the Coun- 
cil. Revs. H. De F. Wiard, F. G. Appleton, R. H. Bat- 
tey, David Beaton, W. B. Hubbard, who had served the 
Council before as Assistant Registrar and was to be hon- 



THE WORCESTER COUNCIL 137 

ored by a reelection, W. S. Bell and W. B. D. Gray were 
from Dakota. 

H. Clark Ford and Lucius F. Mellen, the energetic 
laymen of Cleveland, E. W. Metcalf, of Elyria, Walter 
A. Mahony, the wise counselor of Columbus, traveled 
from Ohio, and with them Revs. J. G. Eraser, Wash- 
ington Gladden, S. B. Cooper, N. J. Morrison, Norman 
Plass and A. B. Cristy. The only woman to sit in 
the Council was Mrs. Sarah S. Fuller, from Wisconsin. 
She had a large escort in Revs. H. A. Miner, Judson 
Titsworth, Henry Faville, H. D. Porter, A. A. Berle, 
Luther Clapp and C. H. Richards. 

A memorial from the Congregational churches of 
Connecticut, addressed "Mr. Moderator, Fathers and 
Brethren" was received and accepted, calling attention 
to the relations, (or rather lack of any), of the national 
benevolent societies to the churches. It w^as stated that 
"the facts not only discredit our polity, but also threaten 
our peace." That this anomalous state of affairs may be 
remedied, it was most emphatically declared that "the 
churches should participate directly in the management 
of the missionary work which they sustain." A commit- 
tee of reference was appointed. In due time they 
brought in a report, embodying essentially the prayer of 
the memorial. It was unanimously passed. As one 
reads, again and again through the years, of the action 
of local, state and national assemblies making practically 
this same declaration, it is indeed most remarkable that 
the boards of administration should be so slow to accede 



138 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

to the requests of the churches. Herein may lie one 
cause of the constantly recurring debts. 

Interdenominational comity, relations with Free Bap- 
tists, and temperance were considered. The several 
benevolent societies and theological seminaries made 
reports, as usual, through their accredited delegates, who, 
according to the constitution, had every privilege of the 
Council, save that of voting. 

Eight years before, the Young People's Society of 
Christian Endeavor had had its modest beginning. Ten 
thousand societies were now enrolled under its banner 
-for Christ and the Church. The President of the Society 
had been invited to prepare a paper upon "The Church 
and the Young/' To its reading and the discussion fol- 
lowing the session listened with absorbing interest. The 
writer held, first, that "the church must believe in the 
young and trust them." Secondly, that the church must 
show "outspoken devotion and loyalty to itself." And, 
lastly, "the church in caring for the young must pro- 
vide for them regular and definite work." He then pro- 
ceeded to affirm that the well known Society of which 
lie was the acknowledged chief fulfilled these conditions. 

Prof. Hugh M. Scott of Chicago Seminary, with the 
words "There is great need of more ministers to preach 
the gospel," prefaced a paper which fills thirty full pages 
of the published "minutes" on "The Need and Impor- 
tance of an Increase in the Supply of Mini"sters." It was 
a stirring appeal, to the pastors especially, to raise up 
volunteers to be their own successors. 



THE WORCESTER COUNCIL 139 

The John Robinson Memorial Committee reported 
progress, and was continued. A resolution conveying 
congratulations to the Congregationalists of Great Brit- 
ain on the opening of Mansfield College, Oxford, Eng- 
land, was passed, and ordered cabled to the Rev. Charles 
Ray Palmer of Bridgeport, Conn., who was commis- 
sioned to present the same to the authorities of the new 
institution. Sociology as a science had won merited 
recognition in the schools and the press. It is not sur- 
prising, therefore, that Rev. Washington Gladden was 
requested to prepare a paper on "Christian Socialism." 
Brief quotation necessarily does injustice to a discourse 
that held the closest attention of the session for half 
an hour. "It begins to be clear that Christianity is not 
individualism, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself/ 
said Jesus the Christ. Some foundation there surely is 
for the claim that Christianity is socialistic in its ten- 
dencies. Socialism is simply the extension of the func- 
tions of the State so that it shall cover all departments of 
industry. Especially ought we to favor State action 
whose purpose it is to improve the condition of the 
poorest and least fortunate. But it is not the business of 
the State to relieve its citizens of the cares and responsi- 
bflities of life. That would be fatal charity. Room must 
be left for individual initiative and development of char- 
acter." 

For the second time the resolution was passed request- 
ing the benevolent societies to unite in publishing one 
periodical. Work among the Germans was presented in 



I40 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

a way that appealed to all hearts. The religious needs 
of the Army and Navy of the United States were pre- 
sented and a committee appointed to report at the 
next session. Prison Reform had a place in the program, 
as did the growing evil of the parochial schools of the 
Roman Church. City evangelization, marriage and di- 
vorce received the attention their importance deserves. 

The Council Sunday brought a feast of good things. 
In the morning worship, Rev. Arthur Little delivered 
an address on the home field from Luke 19: 42, "If thou 
hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the 
things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are 
hid from thine eyes." After the sermon the delegates- 
united with the members of the church in the Lord's 
Supper. 

In the evening service, the Rev. Israel E. Dwinell 
preached the Council sermon. The speaker had gone 
from pastorates in New England, which God had blessed, 
to the church in Sacramento, California. After a long,, 
prayerful service there, in 1884 he entered upon his 
duties as one of the three professors in Pacific Theologi- 
cal Seminary, the only school of the prophets, of our 
order, west of Chicago. Isaiah 55 : 4 furnished the text,. 
"Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, 
a leader and commander to the peoples." It set forth 
the matchless companionship and leadership of Jesus. 
"Our text presents Christ as the organizing power of 
society. It does not give a result which was reached 
and ended at a particular time. Rather it describes a 



THE WORCESTER COUNCIL 141 

process that was to go on. We are in it." Jesus was 
first a witness to the people, secondly, a leader of the peo- 
ple, and, thirdly, a commander of the people. The crisis 
through which the country was passing, brought about 
by the astonishing expansion of the West, was dwelt 
upon. The Gospel alone can save. Our proper use of 
money conditions the result. And he closed by a fervid 
appeal to magnify the influence and work of the Holy 
Spirit. 

The supreme question thrust upon this session was the 
color line in the South. Delegates from contending 
ecclesiastical bodies appeared, bearing their several cre- 
dentials. A decision was challenged. A very long and 
at times acrimonious debate followed. Probably no ques- 
tion heretofore before any session had ever aroused so 
much fire. It burst out almost every day. For our pres- 
ent purpose, it is far too long to quote. Fortunately 
for the student of church polity, a complete stenographic 
report was made by the correspondent of the New York 
"Independent," and it thus appears in the issue of that 
journal for October 17, 1889. New conferences, repre- 
senting fifty churches in Georgia, which had recently 
joined the denomination, sent delegates. Others came 
from an older body claiming to be the State Association. 
The entire matter was referred to a committee of fifteen, 
which gave patient hearing to all sides. They brought in 
a unanimous report, which was, with slight amendment, 
adopted. It declared that no organization could be rec- 
ognized by the Council which made any distinction on 



142 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

the ground of race or color. The delegates from the new 
churches, who were admitted, pledged themselves to this 
principle. 

After the usual expressions of courtesy, the doxology 
was sung, the benediction pronounced and the seventh 
triennial session was dissolved. 



THE "MINNEAPOLIS" COUNCIL 

The Eighth Session of the National Council, Held in Minneapolis,, 
Minnesota, October 12—17, 1892. 

Moderator, REV. ALONZO H. QUINT. 
Preacher, REV. CHARLES M. LAMSON. 



THE *^ MINNEAPOLIS" COUNCIL 

The Flour City welcomed the Council tO' Plymouth 
Church, Wednesday, October 12, 1892. Rev. George 
H. Wells, the pastor, and a large committee had made 
all necessary arrangements. Three hundred and sixty- 
one delegates reported. Of these only sixty-three were 
laymen and thirty honorary members. Rev. A. H. 
Quint, who had earnestly supported the Council from 
the beginning, and had been present as a delegate at 
every session, was elected moderator. It was an honor 
worthily bestowed. Very appropriately he might be 
called the Father of the Council. Hon. Byron Mc- 
Cutcheon, a distinguished member of the House of 
Representatives, and Rev. George C. Rowe of South 
Carolina, an honored member of the African race, were 
elected Assistant Moderators. Rev. W. H. Moore, who 
had so long served efficiently as Registrar, was re- 
elected. As his assistant the writer was chosen. Upon 
him developed the keeping of the minutes, and by this 
experience he learned something of the machinery in- 
volved in the running of the convention. 

In the evening of the first day, public worship was 
held. Rev. William A. Robinson, of New York, con- 
ducted the opening services. Rev. Charles M. Lamson, 
of Vermont, preached the Council sermon from Matthew 



146 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

23 : 8, "For one is your Master, even Christ ; and all ye 
are brethren." The theme, "The Church, a Covenant 
with a Purpose," was presented with the well known 
ability of the preacher. "All Christians are under orders 
and therefore must keep in order. Christ is their author- 
ity and brotherhood in love and service, the proof and 
consequence of their obedience. Our church, rightly 
understood, is not a sect but a union, striving for the 
ideal of human unity. It is fraternity through loyalty; 
democracy, but democracy with a King. The tendency 
of life to-day is toward the definition, assertion and pro- 
tection of the social man. The philosophy and religion 
of other ages have given themselves to the declaration 
of individual qualities and rights. The National Council 
is the formal and evident declaration of our covenant. 
It is our independency confessing that it can only realize 
itself in fraternity. It is the dignified and solemn ac- 
knowledgment of our mutual obligations to each other, 
and of our common obligations to all men. Fraternity 
with a purpose outward is the completion and secur- 
ity of the individualism of the churches. Our fellow- 
ship is the necessary utterance of our independence 
and the bonds of our covenant are the securities of our 
liberty. Here is our altar, here we are made one in 
Christ and in the duties Christ creates and commands. 
The Council is our declaration of the sacred authority 
of the unity of the Church. This unity is not prudential 
hut vital ; not formal but organic." 

The attendance upon the several sessions had varied 



THE MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL 147 

much. 463 were present as delegates at Albany in 1852 ; 
and in June, 1865, the number reached 502. It will be 
recalled that the first regular triennial session, held in 
Oberlin in November, 1871, was composed of 276 dele- 
gates. In the Minneapolis session, as was to be ex- 
pected, the West was largely represented. 

Rev. Stephen C. McDaniel, who has written the his- 
tory of the Congregational Methodist Churches, which 
came over almost in a body to us, was present from the 
Houston Conference in Alabama, with three others from 
the same state. James L. Barker, the large-hearted lay- 
man of Berkeley, came with the party from California. 
Three ministers. Revs. George E. Paddock, Henry E. 
Thayer and Samuel F. Dickinson, journeyed from Colo- 
rado. The pew in Connecticut was in evidence in Ed- 
ward W. Marsh, Lucius R. Hazen, Thomas E. Merwin 
and Hezekiah L. Reade. Rev. Newman. Smyth, Thomas 
K. Noble, Charles R. Palmer, John G. Davenport and 
Henry G. Marshall were among the number from the 
pulpit. Rev. Charles H. Small hailed from the District 
of Columbia. Chicago^ Association elected Revs. M. W. 
Montgomery, F. A. Noble, Quincy L. Dowd, besides 
Prof. Samuel I. Curtiss, William E. Hale and the well 
known lawyer, Edward D. Redington. Among the ex- 
perienced pastors, also from Illinois, were Revs. Wal- 
ter M. Barrows, C. A. Blanchard, Warren F. Day, 
Henry A. Bushnell and Julian M. Sturtevant. Few men 
have been commissioned so frequently as the last men- 
tioned. 



148 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Indiana chose four ministers as delegates, Revs. N. A. 
Hyde, John H. Crum, Edward D. Curtis and D wight 
P. Breed. Iowa had thirty-two votes in this session, 
whereas Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Oregon had 
only two each. The pioneer, Rev. Richard Cordley, was 
among the even dozen sitting for Kansas. Rev. John W. 
Whittaker was the sole messenger from Louisiana, as 
was Rev. Frank G. Woodworth from Mississippi. All 
the way from Maine came Revs. Jonathan E. Adams, 
Leavitt H. Hallock, James G. Merrill, Charles A. Pope, 
Henry L. Griffin and Charles F. Clark. The one layman, 
Galen C. Moses, must not be omitted. Among the Mas- 
sachusetts delegates were many well known preachers : 
Revs. A. H. Quint, Charles E. Jefferson, Morton Dex- 
ter, DeWitt S. Clark, F. B. Makepeace, O. S. Dean, A. 
E. Dunning, Ernest W. Shurtleff, Wolcott Calkins and 
Arthur Little. 

Michigan never before had been so largely and ably 
represented. Revs. H. P. DeForest, Dan F. Bradley, 
Edwin S. Shaw, Jay N. Taft and A. Hastings Ross were 
of the number. Minnesota chose two of her princely 
laymen, Charles W. Hackett, an honored business man 
of St. Paul, and Charles H. Woods, the distinguished law- 
yer of Minneapolis. From the clerics of the State were 
Revs. Smith Baker, S. J. Rogers, John W. Frizzelle, 
Henry M. Herrick, John W. Hargrave and Lucian M. 
Chaney. Rev. Charles A. Wight was commissioned by 
the St. Louis Association, having as confreres from Mis- 
souri Revs. Henry Hopkins, John H. Williams, E. C. 



THE MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL 149 

Evans and Albert Bushnell. Oklahoma took a seat in 
the Council for the first time in the person of the vete- 
ran superintendent of missions, Rev. Franklin B. Doe. 
North Carolina and Montana were without representa- 
tion. Revs. Harmon Bross, F. L. Ferguson and George 
E. Taylor were among the guests from the plains of Ne- 
braska. New York had a much larger company present 
than usual. Revs. Ethan Curtis, W. A. Robinson, Frank 
S. Fitch, F. A. Hatch, E. N. Packard, William E. Park, 
Samuel H. Virgin, E. B. Burrows, J. J. Hough and Wil- 
liam H. Scudder are all known beyond the limits of 
the Empire State. North and South Dakota together 
sent more than twenty. This indicates how rapid had 
been the development of those great empires of the 
Northwest. 

Ohio was represented by the oldest delegate who had 
ever sat in any session of the Council, Hon. Lester Tay- 
lor, aged ninety-four. He was escorted to the platform 
and introduced to the brethren. Edward J. Goodrich, 
the influential layman of Oberlin, and William H. Upson, 
the honored philanthropist of Akron, were of this goodly 
company, which also included Revs. C. E. Dickinson, 
Charles S. Mills, John R. Nichols, John W. Simpson, 
John G. Eraser and O. D. Fisher. President Erastus 
M. Cravath, whom we must always associate with the 
building up of Fisk University, came from Tennessee. 
His companion, very appropriately, was our brother in 
black. Rev. Joseph E. Smith. Two leaders in the Mor- 
mon kingdom, the Revs. J. Brainard Thrall and Winfield 



150 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

S. Hawkes, were from Utah. Revs. James F. Eaton, 
Wallace Nutting, Thomas Sims and S. B. L. Penrose 
constituted by far the largest delegation Washington had 
ever commissioned. Wyoming cast but two votes in 
this session. Wisconsin, headed by Rev. Judson Tits- 
worth, mustered sixteen in the ballot. 

"In the Cross of Christ I glory" has always been a 
popular hymn in the sessions of the Council. It is of the 
written constitution of the body that the daily sessions 
should be opened by invoking the guidance and 
blessing of God. Praise follows prayer naturally, and, 
so it happens, in many of the sessions, the worship of the 
brethren has left abiding influences. The Secretary 
made his triennial report, stating that in the compilation 
of the Year Book all statistics now conform with the cal- 
endar year. The churches have reached the full number 
five thousand, a net gain of 417 since the brethren gath- 
ered in Worcester in 1889. But one sad feature, so often 
repeated, is the loss of one hundred churches each year. 
The membership has risen to 525,000; Illinois showing 
the largest number gained in the three years, 4,892. But 
the greatest proportionate increase was in Washington. 
One significant item was the gain noted in infant bap- 
tism, principally in the West. The Interior makes the 
best record in Sunday-schools, 625,975 being enrolled in 
the entire country. The greatest increase was among 
the Young People's Societies, now counting 145,000 
members. Remembering that our denomination has in- 
creased from 850 churches in 1800, not fifty of them out 



THE MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL 151 

ot New England, to the present strength, when the sum 
annually raised for the support of religion reaches more 
than six millions of dollars, and the average benevolent 
contributions yearly per member have risen to $4.52, 
there is much for which we should be grateful. 

The trustees of the Council, in their report, made the 
gratifying announcement that the funds had increased to 
$25,000. The perennial subject of "Ministerial Stand- 
ing" was presented and discussed ; so also were the sur- 
prising growth of secret societies, the aggressive atti- 
tude of Mormonism and the need of wise temperance 
legislation. 

The theological seminaries and national benevolent 
societies made their usual exhibits through their chosen 
representatives. It was ascertained that there were 950 
Sunday-schools, in which were 45,000 members, under 
the care and supervision of our societies, and yet not con- 
nected with churches. Hereafter, it was ordered that they 
have a place in the Year Book. The Columbian Exposi- 
tion was recognized and a committee was appointed with 
power to act. A paper on "Systematic Beneficence" 
stimulated all by a suggestive array of statistics, and, at 
the close, a resolution was moved and passed urging the 
churches to "contribute regularly to each one of the so- 
cieties, and, so far as possible, something from every 
individual member." 

The delegation from the Council to the International 
Council, held in London, the year previous, made their 
report. Four of the number, originally named, were pre- 



152 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

vented by death from fulfilling the service : Frederick 
Billings, Caleb F. Gates, the Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, the 
beloved preacher before the last session, and Henry M. 
Dexter, so long our unmitered bishop in the editor's chair 
of The Congregationalist. Since the conference in Lon- 
don three members of the committee, widely known for 
their good works, have alsO' passed to the beyond : Rev. 
Alfred H. Hall of Connecticut, Prof. Joseph H. Benton 
of Pacific Theological Seminary, and Prof. Lewis F. 
Stearns who delighted our English brethren with his 
paper, "Trend of Religious Thought." Of the report on 
the Council in London, we must quote at least one para- 
graph : "The papers and discussions were of a high order, 
and worthy of the occasion. But the great value of the 
Council was in its practical expression of our world-wide 
fellowship. The power of this was felt by all. Degrees 
of latitude shrank to small proportions when Congrega- 
tional followers of the Master joined hands from Amer- 
ica, Australia, Great Britain, Africa, Japan, Sweden and 
many lands. Our common problems and peculiar dif- 
ficulties are understood, and we can join forces for a 
united advance, as never before, in all our activities." 

The committee originally appointed in Concord to 
erect in Leyden, Holland, a suitable memorial to John 
Robinson, made their final report. The memorial took 
the form of a beautiful bronze tablet, which was placed 
upon the exterior of St. Peter's Church, and unveiled be- 
fore a large concourse, composed of the members of the 
International Council, who had repaired to Leyden for 



THE MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL 153 

the purpose. The sum of $500 unexpended was voted 
toward the erection of the John Robinson Memorial 
Church in Gloucester, England. 

Marriage and Divorce, Prison Reform, The Army and 
Navy of the United States, were presented in papers and 
reports. Church History Societies were commended: 
"We recommend the organization of such societies as far 
as practicable in all our states." Observance of the Sab- 
bath also was before the house. A declaration was made 
favoring the general federation of all Christian denomi- 
nations on a basis of mutual respect and Catholic evan- 
gelism. 

In every session, there has generally been one topic 
uppermost in the minds of the delegates — one subject 
into which is poured the experiences of the men who 
have come from so widely separated regions. There was 
one such in the present session, which overshadowed all 
others. The relation of the benevolent societies to the 
churches which sustain them, and, secondly, the relations 
of these societies to each other, were the problems of su- 
preme interest in Minneapolis. Long years they had 
been bones of contention. The time had come in all 
minds when a thorough understanding could no longer 
be delayed. Several committees brought in reports. The 
prolonged agitation in the American Board had perma- 
nently crippled the society, in that men had been alien- 
ated, who would probably never return to hearty allegi- 
ance to the support of the Board. There was a danger 
that this feeling might spread. In fact, it was spreading. 



154 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

No less than eighteen state associations had by formal 
vote requested a change. These votes expressed the 
wishes of seventy-two per cent of the churches and sev- 
enty-nine per cent of the membership. 

Federation was the cry heard on all sides. The way 
was opened for immediate action by a declaration from 
the directors of the New West Education Commission 
and the American College and Education Society, ex- 
pressing a desire to unite. After prolonged and excit- 
ing debate, resolutions were passed almost unanimously. 
Thus a question which had been unanswered definitely 
for many years, and had caused anxiety and discord, was 
very clearly settled; namely, that the churches hence- 
forth would do their missionary and educational work 
only through societies and agents over which they had 
control. "The Congregationalist," in speaking editori- 
ally at the time of this action says : "We doubt if any 
three hours in the history of Congregational churches in 
America have ever marked so great progress." The 
"Advance," "Pacific" and "Northwestern Congregation- 
alist" spoke in the same vein. 

Two delegates from the Congregational Union of 
England and Wales, T. W. Harrison, Esq., of North- 
wood, Hanley, and Rev. John Brown, of Bedford, were 
present. Moderator Quint's brief speech of welcome 
was replete with wit and wisdom, and the replies of the 
distinguished visitors were equally felicitous. Mr. 
Harrison spoke of the increasing regard of Englishmen 
for America. He thought we failed to a larger degree in 



THE MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL 155 

getting hold of the laboring classes. Dr. Brown's allu- 
sions to Gladstone were received with unbounded enthu- 
siasm, and in the fervor of a Bunyan, whose successor 
he is, he plead for an exaltation of the Christ and an em- 
phasis upon the eternal verities. 

The minutes were revised and approved, the usual 
resolutions expressing gratitude were passed: "As we 
part, we shall carry with us pleasant memories of the 
days spent in these homes and in this beautiful city." 
Prayer was offered by Rev. Erastus M. Cravath of Ten- 
nessee, the benediction was pronounced by the Modera- 
tor, and the eighth triennial session was closed. 



THE "SYRACUSE" COUNCIL 

The Ninth Session of the National Council, Held in Syracuse, 
New York, October 9 — 14, 1895. 

Moderator, HON. NELSON DINGLEY. 
Preacher, REV. F. W. GUNSAULUS. 



THE ''SYRACUSE'' COUNCIL 

The Minneapolis session undoubtedly did a great work 
for the churches — a work that time has proved was of 
untold value — in that the relations, necessarily intimate 
and dependent, existing between the churches and the 
benevolent societies, and between the societies them- 
selves, were satisfactorily defined and adjusted. But the 
last session was, nevertheless, a weak one. The papers 
and discussions were far below the high level attained in 
Worcester in 1889, in St. Louis in 1880, or in New 
Haven in 1874. Nor were the spiritual qualities equal to 
the Concord session in 1883. 

The welcome accorded the Council by Syracuse was 
certainly warm and decidedly unique. The old railway 
station had been vacated only the day before when the 
train from Boston bearing the coming Moderator, and at 
the same time one from Chicago conveying the Western 
delegations, approached the city. Just at this very hour, 
the old structure yielded to spontaneous combustion and 
went up in a most stupendous blaze. Not the most bril- 
liant pyrotechnics of the Council's most renowned ora- 
tors ever equalled this surprising illumination. 

The Council never before had met in the Empire State. 
Wednesday, October 9, 1895, the snow was falling in 
scattered flakes, when the Moderator of 1892 called the 
session to order in Plymouth Church, Syracuse. Rev. E. 



i6o THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

N. Packard, in extending the formal welcome, reminded 
the delegates that the first session of the Creed Commis- 
sion was held in the church. To this address Rev. A. 
H. Quint very happily replied. Hon. Nelson Dingley 
of Maine, the leader of the Republican Party on the floor 
of the House of Representatives, was unanimously 
chosen Moderator. To San Francisco the Council went 
for first Assistant Moderator, Rev. C. O. Brown; New 
Orleans furnished the second in the person of Prof. 
George W. Henderson of Straight University. 

With the exception of the phenomenal Chicago ses- 
sion, this was the largest of all, three hundred and 
seventy being registered. Seventy-two were laymen. 
The component elements exhibited every variety of our 
membership. It was a representative gathering indeed. 
Metropolitan pastors and frontier missionaries, college 
presidents and inconspicuous laymen, distinguished law- 
yers and merchant princes, mingled with obscure la- 
borers in the Lord's vineyard. The young men were not 
so numerous as in Minneapolis or Chicago. Florida sent 
as many men as did New Jersey. The delegations of 
Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana were as large as the 
body sent by Rhode Island. No woman was commis- 
sioned. With the exception of Massachusetts, New 
England was not largely represented. The Interior 
States cast the largest number of votes proportionately. 

The retiring Moderator, for the first time in the his- 
tory of the Council, gave an address. In the Congrega- 
tional Union of England and Wales, which meets twice 



THE SYRACUSE COUNCIL i6i 

annually, this feature has long been a conspicuous and 
influential factor. Dr. Quint, quite naturally, reverted 
to the experiences in the early sessions, and called to 
mind the honored men of God, whose faith and labors 
had made the Council a possibility and a success. In clos- 
ing, he eloquently said, "We find our duty and privilege 
in the Christian nurture of children ; in Christian educa- 
tion by Christian schools; in thorough training for the 
ministry of Christ; in providing the preaching of the 
Word for destitute places and the erection of houses of 
worship for homeless churches; in touching the needs of 
cities with Christian hands ; in the uplifting of races who 
cry for help, and in sending out heroic missionaries of 
the cross to all parts of the world. What Congregation- 
alism signifies to us is the absolute supremacy of the 
Lord Jesus Christ ; the equality of all Christians in their 
relation to him; the responsibility and discipline of 
brotherhood in government. The Pilgrim principle of a 
spiritual kingdom, free and unshackled, carried forward 
by spiritual forces, and dependent upon the divine 
power vouchsafed to a willing church, is the hope and 
prophecy of victory." Great truths, forcibly put, are these. 
The Council was to see Dr. Quint's face and hear his 
voice no more. Thirteen months later, at the age of sixty- 
eight, he died suddenly, surrounded by loving friends. 

Constitutional questions were again debated, and 
amendments previously proposed were adopted, making 
the secretary, registrar and treasurer full members of 
the Council. Another amendment, providing that the 



i62 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Council meet annually, was indefinitely postponed. Still 
another, changing the name to "The Congregational 
Union of the United States," though it had prominent 
men as advocates, was overwhelmingly rejected. 

The Trustees were able to make the gratifying report 
that the assets had increased to the sum of $81,580.00. 
The committee on Ministerial Relief also submitted a re- 
port, indicating a very decided advance in the work be- 
cause of the efficient labors of Rev. N. H. Whittlesey. 

The committee appointed at the previous session to 
prepare "A Manual of Congregationalism" brought in 
their report, which was accepted and adopted substan- 
tially as presented. Much thought, care and time had 
been given to this work. It has never received the recog- 
nition in the East, that its merit deserves. Brief reviews 
are made of the history and polity of the churches. Then 
follow chapters on the accustomed methods employed in 
the organization of Congregational churches. By-laws 
and statements of doctrine naturally follow. Forms for 
admission of members and letters-missive are also in- 
cluded. 

The Secretary's report, which is now looked forward 
to eagerly at each triennial session, was a graphic picture 
of the three years past. When the session closed in Min- 
neapolis, three years before, the coming financial storm 
was just appearing. The net gain in that period had been 
356 churches, or 119 each year. The number added on 
confession in the period had been 104,879, and the total 
benevolent contributions over seven million dollars, or 



THE SYRACUSE COUNCIL 163 

exactly $4.22 per member yearly. The total assets of 
the denomination amounted to more than fifty million 
dollars. Of the churches reporting salaries, the average 
had arisen to $1,125.00. It was regarded as a most en- 
couraging document by the session. 

The fame of the great pulpit orator of Chicago had 
taken possession of Syracuse. Before the close of the 
afternoon session, Wednesday, the people began pouring 
into the church. When the Rev. James B. Gregg rose 
to offer prayer every nook and corner was occupied. 
Would the result equal the anticipation? The delivery of 
the sermon occupied just an hour. Contrary tO' his usual 
custom, the preacher read from manuscript. "Babel and 
Pentecost" was the striking and suggestive title. Ample 
vocabulary, luminous illustrations, bold, epigrammatic 
sentences, all expressed in a classic literary style, marked 
the strong thinking of this remarkable effort. When 
Dr. Gunsaulus closed his discourse, one and all felt that 
they had been intellectually quickened and spiritually 
blessed. He had brought honor to the Council and sus- 
tained the best traditions of the Pilgrim pulpit. 

It was in keeping with the qualities of this memorable 
session that the Rev. James Brand, so long the beloved 
pastor of the large church in Oberlin, should read a paper 
on "Present Day Preaching." Few nobler specimens of 
the traditional divine have our churches had than this 
grave, dignified theologian, who welcomed the gifts of 
the new learning and yet held firmly to the old gospel 
of redeeming grace. 



i64 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

He began by quoting the remark of a famous preach- 
er, "The first duty of the preacher is to make men Hsten. 
Modernity is important. My first duty, therefore, is to 
try to discover the reHgious characteristics of the age in 
which we Hve. Real preaching, which has understand- 
ing of the times, is not losing its power. Our time is 
marked by certain serious defects; a feeble and superfi- 
cial conception of the nature and government of God, and 
a consequent weakening of the religious sentiment; a 
loss of reverence for law and righteousness; a tendency 
to action rather than worship ; a decay of the sense of the 
guilt of sin; a timidity of preachers in declaring the con- 
sequences of sin; a heavy emphasis on environment and 
a light one on personal responsibility." He closed a pa- 
per which must ever be accorded a high place among 
the many presented in the different sessions of the Coun- 
cil, by saying: "If we can become better Christians, we 
shall become better preachers." 

The moderator presented Rev. George S. Barrett, del- 
egate from the Congregational Union of England and 
Wales. The large audience sprang to its feet, waved 
handkerchiefs and cheered tO' the echo. It was a splen- 
did exhibition of good feeling. "I bring the greetings of 
the mother country to its greater child," he said. "Our 
Congregational Zion embraces 4,800 churches. The 
most serious question confronting us is the sacramen- 
tarian party in the Established Church. The power of 
our churches lies in the truth which we preach and the 
lives which we live." 



THE SYRACUSE COUNCIL 165 

Rev. Edward Munson Hill, since called to the presi- 
dency of the Congregational College in Montreal, 
brought greetings from the Canadian sisterhood of 
churches. He spoke as an optimist on the future of the 
work of Christ in the Dominion. 

Rev, Edward Hawes of Burlington, Vermont, read a 
strong paper on "The Right Conception of the Church." 
Although it was admitted that there was some reason for 
the harsh things currently said against the Church, he 
pronounced it "The grandest institution of the ages." 
He plead for a correct view of the real purpose of the 
Church: — "the inward regeneration of man." 

In all previous sessions the presentation of the work 
and needs of the benevolent societies had been scattered 
through several days. In the midst of papers, reports, 
resolutions and routine business, this exceedingly impor- 
tant feature and duty had always been hampered. This 
year, an entire day, Friday, was given to the six societies. 
From ten in the morning until ten at night, the en- 
tranced listeners were "personally conducted" by "ex- 
perienced guides" over and through the widely scattered 
fields occupied by our missionaries. The effect was 
magnificent beyond all expectation. Men who had at- 
tended for many years the separate meetings of the sev- 
eral societies declared emphatically that they had never 
known such a day of cumulative power. "The Advance" 
of current date, reporting the session, says, "The great 
prayers, the great longings, the great faith, the great 
sacrifices and the great heroisms were in evidence that 
dav." 



i66 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The French-American College was commended to the 
churches. The Armenian massacres received the atten- 
tion of the session. Temperance, Whitman College and 
Secret Societies were also before the body and suitable 
action taken in each case. Arbitration, Marriage and 
Divorce, and Sunday Observance received attention. 
"The Methodists convert them, the Baptists wash them 
and the Congregationalists starch them,'' one clever 
delegate facetiously remarked in discussing "City 
Evangelism." The institutional church and deaconesses 
formed another topic. Of the former. Dr. Judson Tits- 
worth declared it was the inevitable product of the actual 
conditions now prevailing in cities. The objection that 
its methods are not always spiritual was met by the 
assertion that everything that brings the kingdom of 
God to men is legitimate. It was suggested in debate 
that the institutional church unduly secularized re- 
ligion. The answer came promptly that these churches 
show a larger proportion of members received on con- 
fession than others. Rev. C. S. Mills, who had built 
up a large church of this character in Cleveland, Ohio, 
followed in an admirable paper. He cited three facts as 
characteristic of the institutional church : namely, free 
pews, church buildings open every day, a most pro- 
nounced evangelistic spirit pervading all its work. 
When the debate was thrown open, the most spirited 
discussion of the session began between two giants, 
Dr. Meredith and Dr. Baker. The Rev. R. R. Mere- 
dith, pastor of the largest Congregational church in 



THE SYRACUSE COUNCIL 167 

the world, cogently protested against the use of the 
term "institutional church," and "so drawing a line be- 
tween churches of Jesus Christ." The Rev. Smith Baker, 
equally ponderous and massive, as strenuously upheld 
the movement. It was a tussle of a pair of lions and the 
delighted spectators enjoyed it immensely. It was evi- 
dent that each one of the valiant debaters was a large 
institution in himself. It was characteristic of the Coun- 
cil, that after prolonged and earnest discussion a satis- 
factory and amicable conclusion was reached. The ses- 
sion unanimously commended these churches in resolu- 
tions : "The National Council cordially endorses the gen- 
eral methods of these churches as susceptible of real and 

ftp 

effective spiritual purpose, and welcomes them among 
the agencies which the Church of Christ may legitimately 
use in the great work of city evangelization." 

The theological seminaries reported through their 
accredited delegates. These statements indicated that 
quite radical changes were being gradually introduced 
in the courses of study and the methods employed to 
give practical training to theological students. 

Sunday was, as usual during the meeting of the Coun- 
cil, a day of rich blessings. Mr. Dwight Lyman Moody 
preached the sermon, on the Holy Spirit. It was a tender 
yet searching inquiry into our need, and withal pro- 
phetic of the rare fruitage which may be realized by each 
child of God, who seeks in Him his own exceeding great 
reward. The Lord's Supper followed the discourse. At 
the table the Revs. C. M. Lamson and Calvin Cutler of- 



i68 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

ficiated ; ten lay members of the Council acting as dea- 
cons. All the pulpits of the city, save the Roman Catho- 
lic and the Episcopalian, were occupied by delegates to 
the session. In the afternoon, a "Good Government" 
meeting, which proved very popular with the citizens of 
Syracuse, was held. In the evening, Mr. Moody again 
spoke to a vast audience of men in the largest theater. 
Another service was held in the Plymouth Church, which 
proved equally attractive and stimulating. The theme 
was "The Hopeful Aspects of the Kingdom of God." 
Revs. Charles E. Jefferson, Willard Scott and WiUiam 
H. Davis were the forceful speakers. 

In closing the session, the assistant moderator offered 
prayer, "Blest be the tie that binds" was sung, and the 
moderator declared the ninth session of the National 
Council dissolved. 



THE " PORTLAND, OREGON " COUNCIL 

The Tenth Session of the National Council, Held in Portland, 
Oregon, July 7—12, 1898. 

Moderator, REV. F. A. NOBLE. 
Preacher, REV. ALBERT J. LYMAN. 



THE ** PORTLAND, OREGON" COUNCIL 

It was not without much hesitation that the Council 
decided to attempt to meet in a city so distant from the 
old Congregational centers as Portland, Oregon. The 
die, however, had been cast; and the usual committees 
had been working earnestly for months in anticipation 
of the opening day. It was feared, because of the time 
and expense required to journey so far, few would be 
present. It was, therefore, with much satisfaction that, 
when the session began, two hundred delegates were 
found to be present. 

Thursday, July 7, 1898, in the First Church, Portland, 
the tenth session was called to order by Arthur H. Well- 
man, a distinguished member of the bar of Boston. The 
Hon. Nelson Dingley, the retiring moderator, because 
of pressing public duties in Washington, could not be 
present. Upon taking the chair, the temporary presi- 
dent called upon the Rev. William Salter, one of the two 
surviving members of the Iowa Band of fifty-five years 
before, to lead in prayer. 

Proceeding to permanent organization, tellers were 
appointed, nominations were made, in accordance with 
custom without comment, and Rev. Frederick A. Noble, 
pastor of the Union Park Church, Chicago, was declared 
elected moderator. Rev. Amory H. Bradford of New 



172 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Jersey, who had received only a few less votes, escorted 
the successful candidate to the rostrum. Hon. O. V. 
Coffin, ex-governor of Connecticut, and the Rev. George 

C. Adams, pastor of the Old First Church, San Fran- 
cisco, were chosen assistants. 

Rev. A. W. Ackerman, pastor of the entertaining 
church, delivered the address of welcome. He reminded 
his hearers that this was the first gathering of repre- 
sentative Congregationalists ever held on the Pacific 
Coast, which now contained four hundred churches of 
our order, with three hundred and sixty ministers and 
thirty-six thousand members. Grateful mention was 
made of the brave pioneers whose rich legacies we had 
inherited. The response voiced the pleasure of the 
Council in being permitted to convene beside the wide 
Western Sea, to conserve and cherish the noble tradi- 
tions of this great Empire of the West. 

As was expected, the Western States were well rep- 
resented. California sent nineteen ; among the number. 
Judge Haven and R. H. Chamberlain of Oakland, Rev. 
J. T. Ford, the beloved pioneer of Southern California, 
Rev. H. E. Jewett, the veteran statistical secretary. Rev. 
W. W. Scudder, since called to superintend the mission- 
ary work in Washington. Oregon cast five votes, and 
Washington commissioned a baker's dozen, which in- 
cluded the well-known pastors. Revs. Samuel Greene, J. 

D. Jones, William Davies, S. M. Freeland, W. H. Scud- 
der and W. C. Merritt. 

Rev. Asher Anderson was placed by the General Con- 



THE PORTLAND, OREGON, COUNCIL 173 

ference of Connecticut at the head of the delegation from 
that state. Revs. Joel S. Ives, C. M. Lamson, Charles 
Ray Palmer, Lewellyn Pratt and A. W. Hazen were of 
the party. This session was the least representative of all 
thus far held, and emphasizes the peril of meeting so far 
from denominational centers. Twelve states were en- 
tirely unrepresented. Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mon- 
tana, Texas and Utah had but one each. Two pastors 
brought the greetings of Colorado. Maine delegated 
Revs. J. G. Merrill, J. E. Warren and Miss Mary F. 
Farnham to bear the invitation to meet in Portland, 
Maine, in 1901. It was noticeable that the Mississippi 
Valley region was remarkably well represented. Pro- 
portionately, through the years, New England had lost ; 
the Pacific Coast, until the present session, had not 
shown the increase in representation which the growth of 
the churches would seem to indicate probable; but the 
great prairie states of the Interior manifested decided 
gains. Is it because denominational consciousness was 
more pronounced there? 

A. Lyman Williston, William C. Strong, Samuel B. 
Capen, G. Henry Whitcomb and Charles A. Hopkins 
were among the influential laymen who crossed the con- 
tinent. Others from Massachusetts were Revs. Morton 
Dexter, G. R. W. Scott, Ezra H. Byington, W. E. Bar- 
ton and Elijah Horr. Although the attendance upon this 
session was the smallest of all, the largest number of 
women, eight, were delegates to this meeting. 

The provisional committee recommended several 



174 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

changes in the rules, which were adopted later. The pub- 
lishing committee reported that the present demands re- 
quire an edition of ii,ooo annually of the Year Book, 
which would thereafter be distributed mostly by express. 
Secretary Hazen's triennial report was especially valu- 
able, and it proved to be the last he was to make. Feel- 
ingly he referred to the decease of his honored predeces- 
sor in office, Dr. Quint. The churches numbered 5,614, 
a net gain of 273 in the three years ; 277 had ceased to 
exist in that time. The membership had increased to 
625,864. Of this total the East had more than one-half, 
the Interior more than a third, and the West less than 
one-eighth. Sunday-schools, in the period, gained only 
7,769 and the benevolences showed a decrease. 

David N. Camp of Connecticut, who had served the 
Council acceptably for many years as auditor, again 
made his report upon the statement which had been sub- 
mitted previously by Samuel B. Forbes, the treasurer. 
It indicated the increasing volume of business that the 
Council is called upon to perform, that the disburse- 
ments exceeded $42,000. The finance committee re- 
quested the churches to pay two cents per member an- 
nually hereafter. The trustees of the Council made the 
happy announcement that the fund for ministerial relief 
amounted to $109,000. 

Rev. Charles Ray Palmer reported as committee of 
the Council on the John Robinson Memorial Church in 
Gainsborough, England. The site and edifice cost about 
$35,000. This church and the tablet in Leyden fittingly 



THE PORTLAND, OREGON, COUNCIL 175 

commemorate the name of him who was indeed a father 
in Israel. Dr. Mackennal, delegate from the Congrega- 
tional Union of England and Wales, addressed the house. 
The reception accorded him was both dramatic and most 
cordial, the audience rising with tumultuous applause. 
It was in keeping with the manner in which the Council's 
delegate, the Rev. Philip S. Moxom, had been received 
by the Union in London, in the spring. 

The committee appointed to make suitable provision 
for the International Council the following year in Boston 
reported reasonable progress. Rev. A. H. Bradford at 
this point read a luminous paper on "The International 
Mission of Congregationalism." It was conceded that 
no one in America was better fitted by experience and 
sympathy than the speaker to write upon so broad a 
theme. "The days of denominationalism are numbered. 
The old style of Christian, who is sure of his sect but not 
sure whether he is a follower of Christ, has had his day 
and must cease to be. Yet there is another side to the 
subject. The Pilgrims had a mission in their day, and 
their children have a mission in the present. What is 
the international mission of Congregationalism? There 
is but one mission for any church, whatever its name, 
and that is the promotion of the kingdom of God." 

The above naturally introduced the succeeding paper 
by the moderator, "Congregationalism in the Making of 
the Nation." This address also powerfully moved the 
audience. "Congregationalism is not the only important 
factor or influence which has entered into the shaping of 



176 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

our nation. But it still remains to be said, that the ideas 
which underlie our Congregationalism and give to it the 
distinctive features which characterize its form and life 
have had a unique and traceable part in the making of 
our nation." He then proceeded to portray graphically 
the Puritan's regard for the equal rights of men and the 
necessity for constitutional government. The second 
half elaborated the influence which our churches have 
had on the public weal because of the schools, colleges 
and universities largely founded and sustained by our 
people. 

Two papers were read, written by persons not present, 
on the temperance situation. The papers themselves 
were unobjectionable, but the feeling of the Council is 
shown in the passing at once of the resolution : — "That 
no more papers be read which have been prepared by 
persons not present." Divorce, gambling, secret socie- 
ties and prison reform were all presented by reports from 
standing committees. Some of these committees had 
been standing so many years that it was a merciful act 
in the Council to discharge them from further service, 
and thereby relieve the docket of the future from the 
painful necessity of hearing twice-told tales. 

Because of an abuse which had very evidently been 
growing, the Council, by amending a by-law, took drastic 
measures: "Every morning and evening shall be given 
to meetings of a specifically religious, rather than busi- 
ness, character." The general subject, "Ministerial 
Standing and Training" engaged attention through one 



THE PORTLAND, OREGON, COUNCIL 177 

morning session. After long and earnest discussion, it 
was voted : "That tO' the resokitions on ministerial stand- 
ing adopted in 1886, in Chicago, be added, That, in 
the transfer of ministerial membership . . . the gaining 
of new membership is ecclesiastically impossible until the 
applicant shall have been fully released from his previ- 
ous ecclesiastical membership/ " 

"Common Grounds of Belief for Christian Thinkers" 
was the title of a paper read by Rev. E. S. Hill, of Iowa. 
Prof. Henry C. King, of Oberlin, followed with an ad- 
dress upon the same vital subject. By far the longest 
paper presented to the session w^as by Samuel B. Capen 
of Boston, on "Modern Methods in Missionary Work." 
Some stimulating facts were made plain : — "The churches 
are increasing their gifts far out of proportion to the 
growth of population or to the total national wealth. 
The gifts to missions in 1880 were $8,000,000; in 1890, 
they were $14,000,000, — a growth far beyond that of 
population. In the last seventy years the income of the 
missionary societies has been multiplied twenty fold." 
The title was very misleading, as the paper did not deal 
at all with missionary work on the field, but, rather, the 
methods to be employed among the churches to secure 
the money necessary to carry forward the work at home 
and abroad. This paper later was widely distributed; 
and its wise suggestions have been put into general 
practice. 

Several formal invitations had been extended to the 
Council to attend places and institutions. Only one was 



178 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

accepted. Saturday afternoon, a special train carried 
five hundred passengers to Forest Grove, the site of 
Pacific University. The afternoon and evening all too 
quickly passed with receptions, speeches, music and a 
bountiful repast. A touching scene was the planting on 
the campus of a mayflower, carefully brought by the 
Council party from Massachusetts. 

Sunday morning the Council convened for public 
worship. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Albert 
J. Lyman, pastor of the South Church, Brooklyn, New 
York ; after which the delegates united with the church 
in the Lord*s Supper. Dr. Lyman chose as his text, "He 
is our peace," Ephesians 2: 14; the theme being "The 
Spirit of Mediation in Modern Congregationalism." The 
spirit of harmony which pervaded the session gave a fit- 
ting setting to this wholesome message of good cheer 
and peace. Not only the theme of the sermon but the 
personality of the preacher accorded to a very rare de- 
gree with the tenor of the hour. "The glory of this pow- 
erful letter to the Ephesians is its Christology. The 
apostle is speaking, let us continue to remember, not of 
the primary mediation of Christ as between God and 
man, but of that secondary mediation, which through 
Christ is accomplished between different parties of men. 
Am I mistaken, honored brethren, to whom it is my 
high privilege to speak to-day, in believing that some- 
thing of the spirit of a mediation not dissimilar is both 
the supreme need and the supreme note of modern 
Christendom; and that in this country the Congrega- 



THE PORTLAND, OREGON, COUNCIL 179 

tional churches of America are peculiarly called in the 
providence of God to illustrate the spirit of such media- 
tion in our time?" 

These words, coming as they did from the nephew of 
Rev. Horace Lyman, the first pastor of the church in 
which the Council was assembled as guest, had peculiar 
weight and significance. In closing, this long-beloved 
pastor of Brooklyn exclaimed: ''Christianity on its hu- 
man side is comradeship raised to the level of consecra- 
tion. Let us be marching men, not sitting too long by 
last night's camp-fires. God is with us, Christ is with us. 
This is the creed of the Christian ; this the inspired optim- 
ism of St. Paul. 'For if that which is done away was 
glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.' " 

Sunday evening. Rev. F. T. Bayley, of Colorado, and 
Rev. Alexander Mackennal, of England, spoke to a 
crowded house on Federation, which the first speaker 
declared to be the greatest present need of Protestant- 
ism. "Sects have sprung up like mushrooms on a dung- 
heap." A telegram conveying the greetings of the 
Council was sent to President McKinley; another to 
the churches of Hawaii, welcoming them to the brother- 
hood of the States, and expressing the hope that their 
messengers might be present as delegates in the future 
sessions. 

A new subject in the sessions of the Council — the won- 
der is that it had not long ago been presented — "How to 
Save the Property of Disbanded Churches," was treated 
by Rev. I. W. Metcalf of Ohio. His paper teemed with 



i8o THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

facts, some of them of amazing proportions. The property 
of the Congregational churches was stated to exceed fifty 
millions of dollars. But the financial losses have been as- 
tounding ; in Connecticut, no less than a million dollars, 
"by neglect of business precautions." In the State of 
Michigan half of the Congregational churches organized 
have become extinct. Ohio has lost 162. All churches 
which are independent, the Baptist, Christian and Con- 
gregational, are especially liable to losses. How to 
secure property for the churches in perpetuity is the 
pressing problem. The writer called attention to the 
very large sums saved to the denomination by the prac- 
tical business methods of the Church Building Society; 
and also it explained how efficiently the National Coun- 
cil might administer denominational trusts. 

The color question, over which so many controversies 
had occurred in previous years, again came up in this 
session. The discussions, which were long, and at times 
very animated, can be found in full in stenographic re- 
ports of the Portland "Oregonian" of current dates. 
Suffice it to say, the white and colored churches in Ala- 
bama had failed to form one state association. Both sent 
delegates. The Council refused to receive either dele- 
gation, but permitted them to sit as honorary members. 
In other words, Alabama was plainly told to adjust her 
own difficulties. 

A report presented by a committee on the American 
Bible Society provoked an interesting debate. It was 
evident that the Society had lost to a degree the full con- 



THE PORTLAND, OREGON, COUNCIL i8i 

fidence of a large majority of the Council. Resolutions 
were finally passed requesting the Society to use "great 
care in the selection of district agents" and to "publish 
as soon as practicable, an edition of the Bible in the Re- 
vised Version." "Inasmuch as this Society asks for the 
support of our churches, we respectfully request that it 
make annual statements covering a more detailed ac- 
count of its assets, funds, receipts, and expenditures." 

It was to be expected that the Council, in meeting for 
the first time in the Western half of the Continent, would 
give a due proportion of thought and time to retrospect. 
The pioneers had no past ; history, precedent and tradi- 
tion were still in the future. Now, after a little more 
than half a century, it was apparent that Congregation- 
alism had reached self-consciousness. Too long, there 
had been Congregational churches scattered through- 
out these wide Pacific States without Congregational- 
ism. One of the most profitable features of this session 
was the review of the work of our churches on the Pa- 
cific Coast. Secretary George M. Boynton of Boston 
wrote of the Sunday-schools of this great region. One 
of the most valuable papers to the student of the history 
of our churches ever prepared by the request of the 
Council was the one written by Rev. Myron Eells, "Re- 
ligious Movements among the Indians of the Pacific 
Coast." In it are preserved data which could be found 
with the greatest difficulty, if at all, elsewhere. 

Rev. William C. Kantner, pastor of the church in 
Salem, Oregon, read a carefully prepared paper, "The 



i82 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Religious Movements on the Pacific Coast." The first 
Christian service held was conducted by the chaplain 
of an English vessel, June 24, 1579. What is called the 
Prayer-Book Cross, a beautiful memorial erected by 
George W. Childs, of Philadelphia, now marks the spot in 
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. From the beginning, 
he thus traced the growth of Christianity on the Coast 
down to the present, until the one has become a thou- 
sand. "There are now 65,000 Methodists, 35,000 Pres- 
byterians, 31,000 Disciples, 30,000 Baptists and 28,000 
Congregationalists in the three states, California, Ore- 
gon and Washington." Professor George Mooar, the be- 
loved teacher for so many years in the Pacific Theologi- 
cal Seminary, Oakland, California, also read a paper on 
the same subject. The treatment was equally learned 
but very different, closing with the following prophetic 
words : "The movements on this side of the continent 
are yet to be greater than the pioneers dreamed, and only 
the learning which has the deep inspiration of our divine 
Lord is adequate to direct them." 

The usual vote of thanks was heartily passed; the 
minutes were revised and approved. Rev. J. S. Griffin, 
ninety-one years of age, and pastor of the first Congre- 
gational church organized west of the Rocky Mountains, 
led in a fervent prayer and pronounced the benediction. 
The Moderator thereupon declared the tenth session of 
the National Council dissolved. 



THE FUNCTION OF THE NATIONAL 
COUNCIL 

Salem Covenant 1636. 
** Wee bynd ourselves to studdy the advancement 
of the Gospell in all truth and peace, both in regard 
of those that are within, or without, noe way sleight- 
ing our sister churches, bmt useing theire Counsell as 
need shalbe ". 



THE FUNCTION OF THE NATIONAL 
COUNCIL 

Congregationalism is the happy medium between two 
apparently irreconcilable principles, Independency and 
Presbyterianism. These long struggled for supremacy. 
In the very beginning of the history of the Pilgrim 
churches the latter seemed to be the stronger. Then 
followed a long period in which the former was in the 
ascendency. At present, some discern tendencies to- 
ward the earlier interpretations of polity. Congrega- 
tionalism is a compromise found in the golden mean 
which happily conserves the best elements in both. Con- 
gregationalism cannot live without being free, and yet 
authority is essential to its life. The sovereignty of each 
single, local church is a prerequisite ; and yet to main- 
tain properly that sovereign authority fellowship with 
sister churches of the same faith and practice is neces- 
sary. 

All Christians, for our present purposes, may be di- 
vided into two classes ; namely, those who hold that Je- 
sus, the Founder of Christianity, first instituted the 
Church, an ecclesiastical organization, simple, yet at the 
time complete in itself, and then went forth with his 
chosen companions to preach that the Kingdom of God 
was at hand. Second, those who believe that Christ, in 



i86 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

the beginning, proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation 
to sinful men and the uniting of his disciples in the bonds 
of a new brotherhood naturally followed as a normal 
growth. Was the Church an end in itself or means to 
an end? Which did the Saviour regard of paramount 
importance, the Church or the work which the institu- 
tion was to do? 

Churchmen, however doctrinally "high" they may be, 
are forced to admit that the primitive organization of 
the Christian Church, whatever be its significance, was 
scarcely more than a voluntary fraternity. Brotherhood, 
possibly better than any other word we may use, defines 
its character. Officers there were none in the Apostolic 
company. True, to their beloved chief, loyalty was freely 
accorded. One also was chosen to carry the bag as 
treasurer. Equality in all their relations was very 
marked. They were brethren. Again, they were so 
fully taken up with what they conceived to be their su- 
preme duty, evangelization, that little thought was ap- 
parently given to the external form of the union which 
their common purpose and love had unconsciously 
formed. The tragic death of Judas, the traitor, forced 
upon them the necessity of choosing a successor. In 
the election of Matthias, the pure democracy of the little 
group is plainly shown. Each one of the apostles had a 
voice and a vote in the result. But the formality was 
held strictly in abeyance. They believed whatever or- 
ganization was necessary was a manifestation, not the 
cause of spiritual life. And in studying the New Testa- 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 187 

ment, a portion of which these same men were to be in- 
spired to write, we see that the Church, in its last anal- 
ysis, was not the source of authority but its agent. Ma- 
chinery has never generated energy; it expends energy 
and thus transmits power. Polity is not the cause of re- 
ligious life, but its effect. A true church is a develop- 
ment, not a manufactured thing; it is an organism, not 
an organization. 

The Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, indicates 
that the early Christian churches were all local, and not 
diocesan, provincial or national. The believers in Christ 
in a community, town or city were the constituent ele- 
ments in the new organization. It was, therefore, munic- 
ipal, or limited to the confines of a neighborhood. In 
this, it found its prototype in the Jewish synagogue, af- 
ter which the Christian Church in many respects was 
patterned. Each church was independent ; and yet, so 
great was the need of fellowship because of weakness, it 
maintained communion with other similar churches. 
My honored teacher. Professor George Park Fisher, 
says in writing of this period in his well known work, 
"The Beginnings of Christianity," "While the churches 
did not attempt to govern one another, they held them- 
selves at liberty to address to one another words of coun- 
sel and rebuke, as well as of comfort in affliction." He 
then cites the case of the epistle of Clement of Rome to 
the Corinthians. The name of the author of this im- 
portant letter does not appear at all. He writes from 
and for the Church in Rome of which he was pastor. It 



i88 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

was a letter from a church to a church. In this commu- 
nication we read, "Receive our counsel and ye shall have 
no occasion of regret." 

It is therefore very evident that the primitive, apos- 
tolic church chose its own pastor and officers, disci- 
plined its own members and transacted its business in- 
dependently, with no interference from without. But it 
is equally certain that each church entered into fellow- 
ship with other Christian churches; and in that com- 
munion received help and strength. This independency 
was manifest in varying degrees of autonomy; and the 
fellowship expressed itself in different forms. It may be 
seen in reading the annals of that distant age that there 
was always a party favoring the former ; and with equal 
certainty we may say the latter was never without hearty 
support. 

The parity of the ministry in the early churches is 
everywhere in evidence. The terms presbyter and bishop 
are synonymous. Each church had one or more pas- 
tors. In time, however, by virtue of age or ability, one 
presbyter was given certain preeminence. Churches 
established in growing centers of population also ac- 
quired an acknowledged power and ascendency. The 
stated and occasional gatherings of the churches, repre- 
sentative and otherwise, reflected the influences of these 
changing conditions. Fromi a polity strictly Congrega- 
tional in the beginning, the churches gradually passed 
under Presbyterian forms, and, later, to the Episcopalian, 
which became well-nigh universal at the close of the 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 189 

first half of the second century. In the early churches 
the pastor was a bishop and there were as many bishops 
as there were pastors. In time the pastor of the leading 
church became the sole bishop. But it is to be noted 
that his function was strictly governmental, and the 
churches did not regard him as belonging to a higher 
class or a distinct order. 

At the same time that the ministry was undergoing 
change, the meetings of the churches also were showing 
new forms and exercising new prerogatives. The councils 
held at Jerusalem were simple in their organization and 
yet fearless and outspoken in their deliverances. The 
age called for distinct enunciations upon the importance 
of sound doctrine, both in faith and practice. A hard and 
fixed line between the two could not always be clearly 
drawn. The founders of our church order were deeply 
concerned with the question, "What is the true polity of 
the Christian Church?" What powers are germane to its 
controlling principles? Each believer was held to be a 
priest and king; believers to constitute the church, 
which was to acknowledge the headship of Christ; and 
in religious duties all churches should be joined in pray- 
erful communion. However difficult they found the de- 
tailed adjustment of the local church in its autonomy to 
the principle of fellowship, they never wavered in their 
belief in the truth and justice of the polity. 

Dr. Dexter, in his suggestive monograph, "A Glance at 
the Ecclesiastical Councils of New England," says, "The 
first reference to such communion, in that modified form 



i^ THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

which grew to what the Church of Rome knows by the 
name of Council, is beheved to be found in a passage of 
Tertullian, in which, after reference to^ the powers of a 
bishop at that time, he adds that councils of churches 
were accustomed to be held among the nations of Greek 
descent for consultation upon matters of special import, 
and that their decisions were treated with the greatest 
respect." It was reserved for the great meetings of the 
early centuries, called councils, to examine, define and 
promulgate the cardinal doctrines of Christianity. There 
were very many of these memorable national and inter- 
national gatherings. But only seven by the common 
consent of Christendom have been accorded the title 
ecumenical. These epoch-marking conclaves of the 
churches all had political as well as ecclesiastical signifi- 
cance. From the standpoint of the Church, the object 
was to promote Catholicity. From the standpoint of the 
State, the purpose was to obtain the support by the 
Government of the united Church. Only bishops voted 
in these assemblies convened by command of the Em- 
perors. 

The first, and in some respects the most important of 
all of these world-councils was called by Constantine to 
Nicsea in 325 A.D. The Arian controversy was the 
cause. The interest of Arius was primarily philosophi- 
cal ; that of Athanasius, his able opponent, religious. And 
the latter, though in the minority in the beginning, car- 
ried the convention with him, and we have the result in 
the creed which bears the name of the place of the meet- 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 191 

ing. The second Council met fifty-six years later in 
Constantinople and reaffirmed the decisions of the for- 
mer. The seventh and last bearing the name ecumeni- 
cal also met at Nicsea, nearly five centuries after the first, 
or in 787. These eventful conventions of the princes of 
the Church left indelible impress upon the doctrine, 
polity and modes of worship. More than a thousand 
years have passed since the last ecumenical council was 
held, and, though the churches have suffered vicissitudes 
innumerable and have been oft divided, the decisions of 
these ancient councils still control the thought and labor 
of by far the greater portion of Christendom. It is no 
wonder, therefore, that the ages have invested these vast 
assemblies and their deliverances with a dignity and 
sanctity which are peculiarly their own. We may truly 
regret that at present, when a united Christianity would 
mean so much, not only to doctrine but to life, manifold 
divisions no longer make possible an ecumenical coun- 
cil of all Christian peoples. But the word and the ex- 
pression of the faith of those ancient councils are not 
wholly lost. 

There were many and heroic reformers before the 
Reformation of the sixteenth century. Single-handed 
and alone men arose who counted not their very lives as 
dear unto themselves if they might lead the churches to 
return to the primitive belief and practice of the early 
Gospel. Theirs was a hopeless battle against power en- 
trenched in high places. Often they perished, not even 
leaving their names on the roll of martyrdom. At length 



192 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

in 1 5 17 came forward the monk of Wittenberg to nail his 
ninety-five theses on the door of the Church of All Saints. 
It was only a spark, but it kindled a mighty flame. The 
rebellion against the very imperialism that called the 
early councils into existence had begun. Faith and 
polity were both involved. But we sometimes forget that 
Luther was a political reformer and that if it had not been 
for the support of Frederick the Wise his efforts must 
have failed. It sheds much light upon the early history 
of Protestantism tO' remember that the support of the 
State was essential. And as purity of doctrine was 
sought first of all, rather than the ecclesiastical forms 
under and by which the faith was to be propagated, this 
political support was soon merged into union. Ecclesi- 
astical forms were dependent upon political environ- 
ment. Nationalism in religion was forced upon the re- 
formers almost as a necessity. Wherever monarchical 
influence predominated, the churches took the form of 
Episcopacy. Wherever the democratic influence was 
supreme in the rule of the people, the ecclesiastical gov- 
ernments became Presbyterian and were thus in accord 
with the nation. In neither case did Luther, Zwingli and 
their confreres feel that their ideals of church polity had 
been attained. There were always radicals among the 
churches who openly declared that the Reformation had 
reformed only half the abuses of the churches. These 
voices were never silenced. 

Only seven years after Luther had consigned the Bull 
of Pope Leo X to the flames in the market-place of Wit- 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 193 

tenberg, Francis Lambert, a French exile, began preach- 
ing in Hesse a still greater reform. The principality had 
been profoundly moved already by the Reformation. 
Philip the Landgrave gave the new evangelist encour- 
agement and protection. In a synod of the reformed 
churches assembled by this progressive ruler, Lambert 
had an opportunity to present personally his views and 
to publish among the attendants certain theses of his on 
church polity which had been printed only a short time 
before. His plan, based upon his studies of the New 
Testament, commended itself to the Synod. His polity 
contemplated "the formation of a pure congregation of 
true believers, in which the right of ecclesiastical self- 
government should be exercised immediately by the con- 
gregation. In the congregation of brethren or saints 
that may be organized, all church business is to be trans- 
acted." It thus called for a spiritual democracy, a self- 
governing church, complete in itself. 

Other theses in the same platform made provision for 
a yearly synod or council, "composed of the assembled 
pastors and of delegates chosen immediately before in 
the church-meetings." Leonard Bacon writes, in his 
"Genesis of the New England Churches," of his carefully 
outlined church order : "The functions and powers of the 
Synod were defined in a remarkable accordance with the 
powers and functions of councils in the polity of the 
New England churches." Francis Lambert's platform 
of church government and order was the first exposition 
of modern Congregationalism. It is much to be re- 



194 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

gretted that, although accepted by the Synod, when it 
was presented to the leaders of the reformed churches, 
they pronounced it ideal in theory but impracticable for 
the time. The author died two years after the Synod. 
It would be an interesting study for some thorough 
scholar, for it has never yet been done, to discover what 
influence, if any, Lambert had upon the Pilgrim re- 
formers, who, two generations later, were to be his 
worthy successors. 

The first half of the sixteenth century saw most mo- 
mentous changes in England. Church as well as State 
shared in the general turmoil and upheaval. Henry 
VIII, ''the first heir of the white and the red rose" came 
to the throne in 1509. The revival of learning was quick- 
ening all minds. The invention of printing made it pos- 
sible for the first time for even the poor to read. The 
common people began to do their own thinking. To 
possess and study the Bible became no less than a pas- 
sion in many hearts. Ecclesiastical supremacy had been 
shattered and in its place the Reformers put the Scrip- 
tures. It was a seed-sowing time for Protestantism. At 
the death of the many times married monarch, England 
was divided at home, friendless abroad; yet the power 
of the Pope had been overthrown, never to be fully re- 
established. 

Edward VI also favored Protestantism, and he wit- 
nessed the establishment of the Prayer-book and the 
Forty-two Articles of Religion. Then came Bloody 
Mary, whose cruel persecutions checked only for a time 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 195 

the reform. "Play the man, Ridley," said Latimer, as 
he stood in flames at the stake in Oxford ; "we shall this 
day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as 
I trust shall never be put out." 

Never had the fortunes of Great Britain been at lower 
ebb than they were when Elizabeth ascended the throne 
in 1558. The nation was humiliated, the people crazed 
by the intolerance and corruption of the Court. The 
able Queen, who was to leave her name resplendent 
among all sovereigns of the world, sought at once to 
establish her rule, to keep from war, and to restore civil 
and religious order. The strain and stress were for a 
while past. It was a time to take breath. At first le- 
nient toward all faiths, Elizabeth became more exacting ; 
she restored the Prayer-book and enforced its use 
through the famous Act of Uniformity. The "Articles" 
were revised, and all the clergy were required to sub- 
scribe to them. She made the State supreme in all 
things; and not even religion was in any way to impair 
this supremacy. Her dislike to the Romanists was not 
due to her antagonism to their faith, but to the political 
hostility associated with their religion. If she did not 
encourage the Reformers, it was not always due to a 
lack of sympathy with their aims, but solely because she 
had misgivings as to the result of their success upon the 
political fabric of the kingdom. It mattered little to 
many what the sovereign was doing, for they were read- 
ing, thinking, praying as never before. The spirit of 
religion was taking absolute possession of men. The 



196 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

whole temper of the nation was changed. A new con- 
ception of life with added moral impulse superseded the 
old. Spirituality worked downward and upward, leaven- 
ing the entire social lump. Social equality was enforced 
upon even doubting minds by the teachings of the Gos- 
pel. All were brethren, because one was their Master, 
even Christ Jesus. The meanest peasant was exalted 
and ennobled as a child of God. The Puritan spirit found 
a voice in the noblest literature of all time when Milton 
sang in subHmest strains of the majesty of Jehovah. 

It may seem at first glance a far cry from the bitter 
controversies of the closing years of Elizabeth's reign to 
the consideration of the order of church government in 
distant America. We forget that Congregationalism did 
not originate on this side the sea ; rather did all the fun- 
damental principles of our polity find their inception 
and earliest development in Europe. Consequently, he 
-who would understand the function of the National 
^Council must seek in the cradle of our denomination its 
t'Carly beginnings. England was an ecclesiastical storm- 
tcenter at this period. The Established Church had lost 
lthe good will and respect of the people. Presbyterian 
forms had been officially recognized by political neces- 
sity, but Thomas Cartwright, notwithstanding his great 
learning, lost his opportunity because of his excessive 
intolerance. Calvinistic Presbyterianism was regarded 
as even more bigoted than Romanism. It remained for 
Richard Hooker in his ''Ecclesiastical Polity," an epoch- 
jnarking book, to shatter the unreasonable assumptions 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 197 

of the Geneva Reformers. Goaded to action by the dis- 
tressing and divisive animosities of her subjects, among 
the last official acts of the Queen was the creation of the 
Ecclesiastical Commission, which became, under the 
notorious Laud, an instrument of untold cruelty and op- 
pression. "All preaching and reading of the Bible in 
private houses were forbidden." Even printing in the 
kingdom was restricted tO' London. Notwithstanding 
this repression, the "Martin Marprelate" pamphlets were 
issued from a secret press, at the price, later, of the blood 
of their author upon the scaffold. 

The reforming spirit continued to spread; and on the 
accession of James the First, eight hundred ministers, 
one-tenth of all in the kingdom, waited upon his Ma- 
jesty and presented him the "Millenary Petition," re- 
questing reform. But James had no real sympathy with 
reform in the Church. Persistently he clung to his pet 
theory, the divine right of kings, and the religious in- 
terests of his people were of very inconsiderable concern. 
The immorality of his court was no more repugnant than 
the folly of his rule. The time had come when his sub- 
jects could no longer endure conformity with his unjust 
laws. Those who would worship God in accord with 
the dictates of conscience began to gather on the Lord's 
Day in separate "conventicles," as their meetings were 
contemptuously called by their enemies. The Puritan 
churches grew. In that word "grew" is summed up the 
leading characteristic of these institutions. What should 
be the relation of the believer to the church? What that 



198 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

of the churches to one another? and what the relation of 
the Church to the State? were all questions demanding 
solution. Among others who offered a solution was the 
Rev. Robert Browne, who was bom in 1549 of distin- 
guished family. He became a clergyman in the Es- 
tablished Church, but soon rebelled against the enforced 
conformity and was imprisoned. The radical nature of 
his reform made him a Separatist. The doctrine was in 
advance of the times. Parliament, although Puritan, 
passed a statute against him, and he fled to Holland. He 
firmly believed that the Scriptures teach with sufficient 
clearness what is the proper manner to constitute and 
control churches of Christ. In 1582, he published a 
work, "The Life and Manners of all True Christians." 
The plan of the book is peculiar, in that it is arranged in 
the form of questions and answers in four parallel col- 
umns. The first is, "Wherefore are we called the peo- 
ple of God and Christians?" Answer: "Because, that by 
willing Covenant made with our God, we are under the 
government of God and Christ, and thereby do lead a 
godly and Christian life." Then, as now, many in the 
churches longed for a visible, tangible infallibility. They 
felt that authority was essential to good government 
among churches as among individuals. But where shall 
that power be resident? Browne's answer foreshadowed 
the Congregationalism of the present day at the begin- 
ning of the twentieth century, when he replied, "In the 
local church." 

Browne gave a distinct place to the fellowship of the 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 199 

churches in his polity. His oft quoted definition is a 
good definition even now, "A Synode is a Joyning or 
partaking of the authorite of manie churches mette to- 
gether in peace for redresse and deciding of matters, 
which cannot well be otherwise taken up." He returned 
to England, later repudiated his published doctrines, en- 
tered again upon service in the Established Church and 
died in that communion. His teachings were given wide 
publicity. Not, however, until many years afterwards 
did they bear much fruit. Notwithstanding his erratic 
ways, his teachings must ever be held by Congregation- 
alists in lasting remembrance. According to his doc- 
trine, the Church should be not a pulpit, nor a hierarchy, 
nor an altar, nor a platform, but a believing fraternity 
intent on bringing the kingdom of heaven down to earth. 
A London barrister set the next mile-stone in the 
development of the order of church government. Henry 
Barrowe was converted from evil habits and resolved 
to give his life to the redemption of his fellow men. 
He accepted the faith and polity of the radical Sep- 
aratists and was tried and thrust into prison. John 
Greenwood, a clergyman in the National Church, a grad- 
uate of Oxford, joined him in his crusade and shared his 
imprisonment. Secretly they wrote and sent page after 
page to the friendly printers in Holland. Their belief 
was similar to that of Browne ; but in polity they were 
not nearly so democratic. Theirs was a compromise 
with Presbyterianism. All the members of the local 
church were to elect ruling elders who should adminis- 



20O THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

ter all the affairs of the organization. This theory pre- 
vailed among the churches of the Puritans for more than 
a century. In the paper, "A True Description" of church 
government, published by them, it should be said that 
the synod is not given the power over the churches 
which the development of their scheme would logically 
require. In the amplified confession of the Amsterdam 
Church, issued in 1596, the thirty-eighth division is as 
follows: *'That though Congregations bee thus distinct 
and severall bodyes, every one as a compact city in it- 
self, yet are they all to walk by one and the same rule, 
and by all means convenient to have the counsell and 
help one of another in all needfuU affayres of the Church, 
as members of one body in the common faith, under 
Christ their head." We must interpret the meaning of 
this deliverance mainly by inference; and yet there 
seems to be little authoritative or compulsory power, if 
any, given the synod or council over the churches. 

In the Northeast of England, in the first years of the 
seventeenth century a congregation of Separatists had 
gathered. Fearing utter extinction, amid great priva- 
tion and danger, in 1608 they sailed for Amsterdam, and 
a year later removed to Leyden. John Robinson was 
their honored pastor. We are concerned solely with his 
views of church polity. Trouble in the church at Am- 
sterdam continuing, the minority (30) petitioned the Ley- 
den Church to be present at an ex parte council. The re- 
quest was not immediately complied with. Finally Rob- 
inson and Brewster went and freely gave such advice as 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 201 

they felt needful. This appeal of the Separatist Church 
to another and the response, are deeply significant. It 
was the first public ecclesiastical function assumed by 
Robinson. Yet, such was the continued, as it proved 
fatal, contention in the church in Amsterdam, that the 
Leyden congregation feared to fellowship with them 
intimately. Ecclesiastically the Pilgrim Church in Ley- 
den was alone. 

About a dozen of the separate writings of Robinson 
we now have. None of his sermons were preserved. Not 
one of the number is upon church polity solely. We must 
glean, here and there, his opinions on the practice of the 
Pilgrim churches. But we are not left in the dark. Re- 
membering the mission in behalf of his church to the 
Amsterdam council, we are not surprised to read in his 
letter to Bernard, entitled, "A Justification from the 
Church of England," "But it will be sayd, may not the 
officers of one or many churches meet together to dis- 
cusse and consider of matters for the good of the Church, 
or churches, and so be called a Church Synode, or the 
like? I deny it not, so they infringe no order of Christ, 
or liberty of the brethren, they may do so, and so be 
called, in a sense." 

The church of John Robinson, we have had occasion 
to examine already, was not such that it would be classi- 
fied as strictly Congregational to-day. It partook largely 
of the features of Presbyterianism. It was far removed 
from the polity enunciated by Browne. In a treatise, 
first published in Latin by Robinson in 1625, termed 



202 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

"A Just and Necessary Apology," he says, "Lest any 
should take occasion, either by the things here spoken 
by us to conceive that we either exercise amongst our- 
selves, or would thrust upon others any popular or demo- 
cratical church government; may it please the Christian 
reader to make estimate of both our judgment and prac- 
tice in this point, according as we believe; that the ex- 
ternal church government under Christ, the only Media- 
tor and Monarch, is plainly aristocratical ; and to be ad- 
ministered by certain choice men, although the State, 
which many unskilful confound in the government, be 
after a sort popular and democratical." 

Upon the title page preceding this chapter may be 
read an extract from the Salem Covenant. This was the 
voluntary bond of fellowship taken by the thirty persons 
who in 1629 formed the first Congregational church or- 
ganized in America. The Church in Plymouth had been 
invited. They came by sailing vessel across the Bay, 
and were delayed. But before the day's exercises closed, 
the party, including Governor Bradford, arrived. They 
reviewed the proceedings, and then in behalf of the sis- 
ter church in Plymouth declared "their approbation and 
concurrence." It was indeed gratifying and deeply sig- 
nificant that these two churches, the first of our order in 
the New World, should thus fraternize, and the older 
greet the younger with "the right hand of fellowship." 
Quite naturally, this manifest fellowship between Plym- 
outh and Salem had far-reaching influences. The par- 
ticipants returned to their homes cheered by the thought 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 203 

that Congregationalism was no longer merely an experi- 
ment. Thus had come logically to fruition the hopes 
which had been cherished in patient hearts for years. 

The following year, the church in Boston was organ- 
ized and chose its officers, the congregation at Plymouth 
being requested to observe the day in fasting, that the 
prayers of God's people might invoke divine blessing 
upon their union. A preceding chapter has been given 
to the first general synod of the churches, held in 1637. 
The clash between Independency and Presbyterianism 
in the Newbury church resulted in the assembling of the 
ministers of the Colonies in 1643. It took decided ac- 
tion against the encroaching Presbyterianism, namely : 
"That the votes of the people are needful in all admis- 
sions and excommunications, at least in way of consent." 
That standing councils had commended themselves at 
this early day to the judgment of New England, the fol- 
lowing resolution passed by this Convention will show: 
"That consociation [not used here in the technical sense] 
of churches, in way of more general meetings, yearly; 
and more privately, monthly or quarterly, as consultative 
synods are very comfortable, and necessary for the peace 
and good of the churches." Still another meeting of the 
ministers was held again in Cambridge two years later. 
We know little more about it than the fact of its exist- 
ence. 

Nine years after the second general council of the 
churches adjourned in 1648, which promulgated the well 
known Cambridge Platform, treated at length elsewhere, 



204 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

the ministers of the colonies assembled again. A discus- 
sion had been increasing throughout all the colonies 
from the earliest settlements over the baptism of children 
and the rights of children thus baptized in the Church 
after they had reached maturity. It was conceded that 
upon profession of faith in the adult, he at once entered 
into the full privileges of baptism and the Lord's Sup- 
per. It was not so clear what should be the attitude of 
the Church toward those who had been baptized in in- 
fancy by the wish of their parents and who later in ma- 
ture life brought their own children to be consecrated in 
baptism. It is difficult for us at this distance to compre- 
hend the intensity of the feeling that was aroused over 
this matter. We are told by creditable authority that the 
excitement threatened the very existence of some of the 
churches. Much light is thrown upon what may other- 
wise be dark, when we remember that Church and State 
were practically united. Membership in the one meant 
full citizenship in the other. The first to move officially 
was a body of ministers in Connecticut who petitioned 
the General Court to adjust the grievances in the 
churches. The Court thereupon appointed a commis- 
sion of seven to investigate, and, if thought wise, to pre- 
sent memorials to the several General Courts of the 
Colonies. In response to a minute handed up to the 
Massachusetts General Court by the above commission, 
a second commission, of thirteen ministers, was ap- 
pointed by the above Court, to meet June 4, 1657. New 
Haven declined to participate. Plymouth took no action 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 205 

whatever. This commission sat two weeks and their 
deHverance fully answered the questions propounded by 
the Courts. It was, in brief, that the churches recog- 
nized the children baptized in infancy as members eli- 
gible to such privileges as children are competent to en- 
joy. But on reaching maturity they were not to com- 
mune at the Lord's Supper unless the change of heart, 
termed regeneration, had been experienced and a pub- 
lic confession of the same had been made by entering 
into covenant with some church. 

The discussion continued unabated ; and so threaten- 
ing were the effects likely to be, if the matter were not 
settled, that the General Court issued a call for the pas- 
tors and delegates of the churches of the Colony of Mas- 
sachusetts to meet in a Synod in Boston in March, 1662. 
About seventy responded. What is known as the "Half- 
Way Covenant" was the result. It reaffirms the decision 
of the preceding Synod. Few people were satisfied and 
the controversy continued. Oil had been added to 
flames. In Connecticut ministers petitioned their Gen- 
eral Court for a Synod, which the authorities called. 
Opposition to this action at once arose. Some feared 
the "Half- Way Covenant" would be thrust upon them. 
Others objected to the use of the word "Synod" as it was 
a convention, not of the messengers of the churches, but 
solely of ministers. The latter objection, at least, was 
regarded as well taken; for a later session of the Court, 
in 1667, while repeating the call, changed the name to 
"Assembly." 



2o6 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The second question of the call issued by the Massa- 
chusetts General Court related to polity. The final de- 
liverance, entitled, "Whether according to the Word of 
God there ought to be a Consociation of Churches, and 
what should be the manner of it," was a reply divided into 
eight answers which are far too long to quote here. The 
first, however, is in the nature of a preface ; and as an ex- 
position of the practice of the time is worthy of insertion. 
* 'Every church or particular Congregation of visible 
Saints in Gospel-order, being furnished with a Presby- 
tery, at least with a Teaching Elder, and walking to- 
gether in truth and peace, hath received from the Lord 
Jesus full power and authority Ecclesiastical within it- 
self, regularly to administer all the ordinances of Christ, 
and is not under any other Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 
whatsoever. For to such a Church Christ hath given 
the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven, that what they 
binde or loose on earth, shall be bound or loosed in 
heaven." 

What may be popularly termed the "Half- Way Cove- 
nant" was one of the longest and most disastrous con- 
troversies in the history of Congregationalism. In the 
following century the ultimate findings of the Court were 
much modified, and in the nineteenth, entirely repu- 
diated. In this long-drawn-out quarrel influences had 
their origin which resulted in the Unitarian Schism. So 
long and bitter was it that the churches were belittled in 
the eyes of the world. The most serious consequences 
were upon the spirituality of the people themselves. 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 207 

Man's relation to the church so completely filled his hori- 
zon of thought that the greater one, man's relation to 
God, was lost sight of. The discussion did have an edu- 
cative value. In reality the question was, "What is a 
Christian Church?" That answered, another inquiry 
naturally follows, "What is my relation, as a member, 
to it?" 

It cannot but be noticed, that, again and again, when 
the clouds lowered in the religious skies and storms 
threatened the peace of New England, the brethren 
sought mutual comfort and strength in fellowship. It is 
alike in accord with human nature and reason that they 
should do so. Any seer can discern that the history of 
early New England would be very different from what 
it is if it were not for the helpful influences which went 
out from the synods and councils of the churches. The 
principle of the council was deeply laid in the hearts of 
men and they thoroughly believed it had a function ger- 
mane to the spirit of the Pilgrim faith and practice. The 
first privately printed book issued in America con- 
firms this view conclusively. John Eliot, the beloved 
Apostle to the Indians, in 1665, printed for distribution 
among his friends in the churches a little tract of thirty- 
eight pages entitled "The Communion of the Churches : 
or the Divine Management of the Gospel Churches, by 
the Ordinance of Councils, constituted in order accord- 
ing to the Scriptures." The entire scheme of the coun- 
cil is elaborated. Ecclesiastically, its type was a modified 
Barrowism. It is difficult now to say just what influence 



2o8 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

this tract had upon the churches. But it was a prophecy 
of the National Council which was delayed almost two 
centuries. Dr. Dexter in his magnum opus, "Congrega- 
tionalism as seen in its Literature," says : "His notion was 
that the churches can fairly maintain and duly manifest 
that unity which Christ contemplates for them, in no way 
so well as by Councils, or Synods, — not called together, 
exceptionally for special uses, but meeting regularly 
for systematic labors." Here, then, is an exposition of 
the function of the stated council from the pen of one of 
the most honored of the preachers of the gospel in the 
formative years of the life of New England. 

The last third of the seventeenth century was the dark- 
est period in New England history, socially, politically 
and religiously. Immigration of the Puritan element 
ceased for a time. Disasters on the sea were destructive 
to commerce. Fires in the towns and settlements of the 
colonies did untold damage. The wars with the In- 
dians, in which one-tenth of all the able-bodied fighting 
men lost their lives, devastated the entire country. For 
the first time since the settlement of the land a con- 
siderable number returned to the mother country. The 
churches suffered severely with all the rest. 

Under such conditions, under the leadership of Rev. 
Increase Mather, the ministers appealed to the General 
Court of Massachusetts to call a synod to consider: 
"Whether a Convention of the Churches by their Elders 
and Messengers bee not extraordinarily necessary at this 
Time, as a most general means unto the attainment of 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 209 

these great ends proposed; and whether therefore God 
doth not now call the Churches thereunto. Many things 
appear unto us, necessary in such an Assembly, which 
cannot bee orderly and effectually wrought otherwise. 
That the Churches may have opportunity for to labour 
(at least) to find out, and fix upon the right means and 
method of practice as to things which have been already 
clearly and firmly stated from the word of God, that so 
the Churches may concur, and assist one another there- 
in, in a way of public order, peace, union and com- 
munion.'' The above is only a small portion of this 
memorable address, embodying one of the clearest and 
most convincing expositions of the principle and func- 
tion of the council which we have had in our history as 
a denomination. 

This petition was presented to the Court May 28, 1679, 
and received immediately a grateful acceptance and fa- 
vorable response. The synod was called to meet in the 
following September, and to consider the following ques- 
•tions: "i. What are the evills that have provoked the 
Lord to bring his judgments on New England?" "2. 
What is to be donn that so these evills may be re- 
formed?" The churches of Massachusetts received the 
call with manifest favor and a general fast was observed 
throughout all the churches. The people gathered in their 
respective houses of worship and implored God to bless 
the deliberations of the contemplated council of the 
churches. 

It has already been noted that the meeting was not a 



210 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

general synod. Only the churches of Massachusetts were 
present in the persons of their delegates. Yet it was one 
of the most influential bodies which ever met in our 
communion. Upon convening, it was found that a few 
of the churches were represented only by their pastors. 
These churches were at once requested to send also mes- 
, sengers from the laity. It was done. It is well for us 
to take note of this; for a growing evil in our present 
National Council is the paucity and weakness of the lay 
element. The result, including an address to the Court, 
the formal answers to the questions propounded, and "A 
Confession of Faith" almost identical with the Savoy 
Confession adopted in England in 1658, was presented 
to the Court. It met with favor: — "Wee doe judge it 
meete to comend the same to the serious consideration 
of all the churches and people in this jurisdiction." 

The opening years of the eighteenth century brought 
little relief to the troubled hearts of the struggling Chris- 
tian people of the colonies. Again, a division of senti- 
ment was very marked touching the manner of true 
Christian living and the method of administering the 
churches of Christ. One evil was no sooner met and 
successfully overcome than another appeared. In Eng- 
land, the skies were no brighter. Common dangers 
had indeed drawn Non-conformists closer together. 
Especially had Presbyterian and Congregational minis- 
ters fraternized as never before. Rev. Increase Mather 
spent some time in the old country at this period and 
his influence tended to bring the differing pastors to- 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 211 

gether. Union meetings were accordingly held, attended 
by the pastors of the two denominations. Out of such a 
gathering emanated the famous compact known as the 
"Heads of Agreement.'* It was not designed to be a 
complete exposition of ecclesiastical polity. But it was, 
nevertheless, as Dr. Bacon has declared, "in fact, if not 
in name, a Congregational Platform.*' Its great weak- 
ness was the small place it gave the laity. It called for a 
government of the clergy. This document, like the Sa- 
voy Confession, strange as it may appear, had very little 
weight in England. It was soon forgotten in the midst 
of heated doctrinal controversy that drove the two de- 
nominations apart. It did, however, have great influ- 
ence in America, especially in Connecticut, where it was 
virtually incorporated in the Saybrook Platform. Thus 
it initiated the legalized polity of an important colony 
for three quarters of a century, or from 1708 until 1784. 

The troublous times of the early years of the eigh- 
teenth century incited the ministers to closer fellowship. 
It was the era in which ministerial associations were 
formed. In them social amenities, intellectual stimulus 
and spiritual incitement found congenial soil. The 
polity of the churches quite naturally came in for dis- 
cussion and extended consideration. The Association 
which met "at the College in Cambridge, on a Monday at 
nine or ten of the clock in the morning, once in six 
weeks, or oftener," finally, after long deliberation passed 
and published to the churches the following : 

*^Synods, duly composed of messengers chosen by 



212 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

them whom they are to represent, and proceeding with a 
due regard unto the will of God in his Word, are to be 
reverenced, as determining the mind of the Holy Spirit 
concerning things necessary to be received and practiced 
in order to the edification of the churches therein repre- 
sented. Synods, being of Apostolic example, recom- 
mended as a necessary ordinance, it is but reasonable 
that their judgment be acknowledged as decisive, in the 
affairs for which they are ordained." 

Presbyterianism is written in large letters across the 
face of such a document. To some it seemed to subvert 
all that the early Pilgrims held dear in church govern- 
ment. As is so often the case, the older men were con- 
servative, the younger men in the ministry were radical. 
The old straw of the **Half-Way Covenant" had to 
be threshed over again. It was inevitable. Not alone the 
pulpit but the pew desired to break away from the un- 
yielding traditions with regard to the conduct of wor- 
ship in the churches. The liberals desired to have the 
privilege of reading the Bible without comment in the 
services and to repeat the Lord's Prayer with the congre- 
gation. Both practices were contrary to the customs 
and belief of the early Pilgrims. Conservatives and Lib- 
erals both sought comfort and support in practically the 
same means, namely, a ministers' conference. This was 
held September ii, 1705, in Boston, and was composed of 
nine delegates, representing five ministerial associations. 
The laity were not represented. As a result, the "Pro- 
posals of 1705," as they are widely known in the history 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 213 

of Congregational polity, were issued. Later, they were 
approved in an even larger convention. 

The main question propounded had been, "What fur- 
ther steps are to be taken that the Councils may have 
due Constitution and Efficacy in supporting, preserving, 
and well ordering the Interest of the Churches in the 
Country?" The ''Proposals" state (permit me to give 
a very brief synopsis) the organization of local associa- 
tions by the ministers, "to consider such things as may 
properly lie before them relating to their own faithful- 
ness towards each other, and the common interests of 
the churches;" that pastors receive the advice so ren- 
dered; that candidates be licensed to preach; that eccle- 
siastical councils be called when deemed necessary and 
expedient ; that the several associations maintain fellow- 
ship with each other. 

For our purpose, however, the most important deliv- 
erance was the following: "That these associated pastors, 
with a proper number of delegates from their several 
churches, be formed into a standing or stated council, which 
shall consult, advise and determine all affairs that shall 
be proper matter for the consideration of an ecclesiastical 
Council within their respective limits." 

TTiese "Proposals" were formally endorsed and ap- 
proved by the ministers in convention May 30, 1706, and 
as they voiced the opinions of the majority of the pas- 
tors, little opposition to them was aroused. Yet only 
one-half the "Proposals" ever went into effect. The rec- 
ommendation that district associations be formed, where 



214 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

they had not already been organized, was acted upon 
quite universally. The proposal tO' create standing 
councils remained a dead letter. Why, has only in 
part been comprehended by later historians. Certain 
it was, that the government, or more definitely the 
legislative and judicial authorities, did not regard the 
suggestion with favor. There was also a minority 
among the ministry, few in numbers, and yet influ- 
ential, who always feared such concentration of 
power as leading inevitably to Presbyterianism. It re- 
mained for a pastor almost unknown at the time, the 
Rev. John Wise of Ipswich, to achieve lasting fame by 
writing a satire upon the polity proposed in the deliver- 
ance of the convention. The tract was entitled "The 
Churches' Quarrel Espoused." In it he held up to ridi- 
cule what he regarded the inconsistency of the "Pro- 
posals." It was a note of warning that aroused many. 
The boldness of the attack and the ability of the writer 
astounded even the old veterans. Standing, authorita- 
tive councils were declared to be perils which endan- 
gered the freedom of the Pilgrim churches. It "smells 
so strong of the pope's cooks and kitchen . . . that it 
is enough to strangle a freeborn England, and much 
more these churches that have lived in such a clear air 
and under such enlargements so long a time." 

John Wise proved himself a master of our church 
polity. And, what was more, his literary style was in- 
comparable. Tyler, in writing his "History of American 
Literature," regards him among the foremost stylists the 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 215 

country has produced. In 171 7, he published a larger 
and more ambitious work. It was no less than an at- 
tempted exposition of Congregational polity from the 
beginning. It is stimulating reading even now, and 
has lost little in the passing years. To it, ever since, stu- 
dents of church polity have resorted for convincing ar- 
gument to prove that "Democracy is Christ's govern- 
ment in church and state." It contains but 105 pages, 
but it is an arsenal of facts. Listen to his convincing 
conclusion: "The people or fraternity, under the Gos- 
pel, are the first subjects of power; that a democracy in 
church or state is a very honorable and regular govern- 
ment, according to the dictates of right reason; that 
these churches in their ancient constitution of church 
order, it being a democracy, are manifested, justified and 
defended by the law and light of nature." 

We should remember that the issue presented by the 
"Proposals" had been pretty effectually fought out be- 
fore the publication of the books of Wise. Still, they 
must be given due weight. Dr. Dexter says that they 
"provoked a discussion which in time revolutionized the 
internal philosophy of the New England polity, cast out 
Barrowism with all its belongings, and brought back 
the original Brownism, purged of its connate inconsis- 
tencies and harmonized and perfected for the great uses 
of the future." 

Thus was passed one of the mile-stones in the history 
of Congregational polity. John Robinson's aristocratic 
conception of the ministry had been vanquished ; and the 



2i6" THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

earlier and more democratic theories of Francis Lambert 
and Robert Browne had triumphed. The old contention 
had not wholly subsided, however, for just seven weeks 
after the death of Wise, Cotton Mather brought before 
the Minister's Convention, which endorsed it, a petition 
to call a synod to consider "What are the miscarriages 
whereof we have reason tO' think the judgment of heaven, 
upon us, call us to be more generally sensible, and what 
may be the most evangelical and effectual expedients 
to put a stop unto those or the like miscarriages." The 
two Houses of the Legislature were divided upon the 
request. The Upper, composed almost entirely of el- 
derly men, favored it, the Lower disapproved, but event- 
ually concurred in referring the petition to the Court. 
Lieutenant-Governor William Dummer approved. 

The Colony had witnessed radical changes in the past 
generation. Englishmen from the Established Church 
had settled to become more and more prominent in the 
commercial and social life of Massachusetts. These 
Episcopalians objected to the calling of another synod, 
and appealed to the Bishop of London. Presently, the 
authorities of the English Church spoke in no uncertain 
sound, communicating with the Acting Governor. The 
synod was forbidden. "It is thought here that the clergy 
should not meet in so public and authoritative a manner 
without the King's consent as head of the Church, and 
that it would be a bad precedent for dissenters here to 
ask the same privilege, which, if granted, would be a 
sort of vying with the Established Church. It has also 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 217 

been insinuated that this Synod would have come to 
some resolutions to the prejudice of the Church of Eng- 
land." 

Here was a new condition to cope with. In the early 
days of the colony, the churches had been left almost 
alone to work out their own polity and destiny. Now 
the "Head of the Church" reaches across the sea and 
with heavy hand enforces whatever conformity is pos- 
sible. These conditions remained practically unchanged 
until the Revolution and were no inconsiderable factor 
in goading the colonists to rebellion. 

Chronologically, we must retrace our steps, and con- 
sider the neighboring Colony of Connecticut which had 
been passing through very similar experiences. There 
was a longing on the part of laity and clergy for more 
authority somewhere resident in the churches. The 
founding of a college called together the ministers of 
southern Connecticut. Yale College was established in 
1701. They then turned to the consideration of the 
churches of which they were pastors. A circular letter 
was issued. The response was general and favorable. 
The next step was the presentation of the matter to the 
Legislature, which called a synod to meet at Saybrook, 
September 9, 1708. And here a strange action took 
place. After prolonged consideration, as an expression 
of the faith of the churches, the Savoy Confession, which 
had been formulated in England but never generally ac- 
cepted there, was adopted. And in polity, the "Heads 
of Agreement," the joint action of the Presbyterian and 



2i8 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Congregational ministers of London, was taken as a 
guide. Twelve ministers and four laymen composing 
the synod issued the famous "Saybrook Platform." The 
noted "Proposals" of the Massachusetts Convention of 
1705 also had weight. The "Articles for the Adminis- 
tration of Church Discipline" are fifteen in number. 
They provided that the churches should all be grouped 
in consociations, or "standing councils," one or more in 
each county. In these bodies should reside adequate 
power to govern the ministers and the churches. An 
annual "General Association" should also be established, 
composed of delegated representatives from all the 
churches. The minute of the Synod was presented to the 
Legislature for approval. It v/as at once commended 
and established as the law of the land. 

It is to be noted at this point that what proved unac- 
ceptable to Massachusetts, was received with favor in 
Connecticut. This fact had great influence in future 
years in determining the polity of the two regions. Un- 
der the Saybrook Platform, Congregational churches 
became more and more Presbyterianized. We have 
seen, in another chapter, how the Connecticut churches 
seemed to be nearer the Presbyterian churches of the 
more southern colonies, in doctrine and practice, than 
they were the churches as administered in Massachu- 
setts. The "Plan of Union" was the legitimate outcome 
of such tendencies ; and Congregationalists going West 
were already tutored to appreciate the Presbyterian 
order of church government. 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 219 

One more synod requires our attention. It was the 
last to be called by the government. The revivals in the 
period of the Great Awakening had disturbed church 
relations to such an extent that the controversy de- 
manded action. Ministers therefore petitioned the Legis- 
lature of Connecticut to call "a General Consociation of 
the churches in this colony, consisting of three ministers 
and three messengers from each particular consocia- 
tion." The call expressed the hope "that such a gen- 
eral convention may issue in the accommodation of di- 
visions, settling peace, love, and charity and promoting 
the true interest of vital religion." This Council met in 
Guilford, November 24, 1741, and passed resolutions de- 
ploring the results of the emotional revivalism which had 
swept over the land and left so little permanent spiritual 
result. Itinerant preachers, often without education 
and ecclesiastical standing, had introduced controversy, 
heresy and division among the churches. This Synod 
was called because of the exigencies of the time. 

We have now passed in rapid review the trend of 
events pertaining to the development of the polity of the 
Independent churches and have reached the period 
when the present National Council was broached and 
finally consummated. It is a study of exceeding interest, 
reflecting not alone the ex1;erior organization of the 
churches, but the inner life of the believers in Christ. 
The consideration throws a flood of light upon institu- 
tions otherwise impossible to comprehend. The Coun- 
cil has become a common denominator, an ecclesiastical 



220 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

solvent; yet, in the beginning, though in theory the 
early fathers had a place for it, the idea was never put 
into practice. The Separatists, from the very nature oi 
their polity, felt constantly the need of something which 
would give unity. They were fully persuaded from bit- 
ter experience that nothing tends to drive men apart as 
autocratic power to compel men to be united. In the 
original home of modern Congregationalism, the Eng- 
lish have developed, under pressing need, this idea of 
denominational autonomy in a very different manner 
from ourselves. The meeting of the International Coun- 
cil in 1 891 was the fulfilment of many prayers, the con- 
summation of many ardent hopes. 

The increase in the number of the churches, their 
growth in influence and wealth, the complexity of Amer- 
ican civilization over an enormously increased area, all 
combined to make necessary the power which comes 
with united spirit and effort. As the messengers, long 
ago, went up from the scattered churches to Jerusalem, 
so the delegations were urged to gather in council in 
America, that through prayer and converse the Master's 
work might be the better done. The ancient theory had 
not been changed ; its legitimate outcome in practice was 
equally happy and effective. Delegates came, not to sit 
as ministers or deacons, but as representatives of the 
churches. Theoretically, then, when the National Coun- 
cil convenes, every member of every church represented 
is constructively present tO' share in the deliberations of 
the body. The idea of a National Council is an out- 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 221 

growth from that of the fellowship of the churches. It 
is not the lack of power in the individual church, which 
renders necessary the application of fellowship, for each 
church is sovereign in itself, but it is rather the earnest 
desire to so order its work that the fraternal confidence 
and cooperation of all the churches may be secured to 
assist in carrying forward its purposes. 

In principle, therefore, the function of the National 
Council, as at present interpreted, should give no cause 
for alarm to the most conservative. Yet we must re- 
mark that no small element in our churches has at times 
regarded the institution with deep concern and evident 
distrust. Developments in our denominational life, even 
iti the last generation, have incited prolonged reflection. 
The growing power and work of the national benevolent 
societies; their relations to each other and to the 
churches sustaining them; the assumption of authority 
by local and State associations; the intellectual unrest in 
educational institutions founded and maintained by the 
patronage of our people; the theological drifting of an 
element of the clergy ; the uncertainty at times of minis- 
terial standing: — these are only a few of the problems 
which have demanded solution. 

These phenomena impel some of our number to seek 
more authority. Many would welcome such. But 
where is it to reside? So long as this power is inherent 
in the local church, the polity of the churches will not be 
estopped nor its traditions violated. But it is an open 
secret that there are clergy, and laity as well, among our 



222 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

cfiurches, who would endow the National Council with 
additional powers. In this, we should make haste slowly. 
The local church is the unit of our ecclesiastical system. 
It is at once the corner-stone and keystone as well. With 
any violent, radical change the entire ecclesiastical struc- 
ture would be in danger of collapse. The unwritten con- 
stitution of our polity is very clear on this point. The 
National Council is not a caucus, a place to win votes 
for men and measures ; it is not a court of appeal to hear, 
try and settle disputes. Yet it is both and more. > It is 
a parliament in which brethren gather to consider 
Christ's work, the members of which advise ways and 
means for the promotion of Christianity. The Council's 
influence, then, is not legislative, executive, formal, but 
moral and religious. 

To express and foster the unity, not the consolidation, 
of the churches, in doctrine, polity and work, is the su- 
preme object of the National Council. It does not make 
any claim to promulgate what the churches must believe, 
but it does presume to inquire what is that belief, and 
gladly disseminates the faith thus discerned for the edi- 
fication of the people. It does not presume to dictate the 
polity to be pursued by any single church; it can, how- 
ever, take knowledge of the practice of all the churches 
and declare the unity of the order of government which 
makes strong the bonds of peace. A certain lack of or- 
ganization to express the strength of the church life was 
the bane and weakness of the early Pilgrims. Much 
power ran to waste because not conserved. Organized 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 223 

fellowship is what we most need to-day. "Many hands 
make light work" in the Master's service. This we need 
as a denomination more than enforced uniformity. This 
was the thought that prompted Professor George T. 
Ladd, while still a pastor, in his suggestive book, "The 
Principles of Church Polity" to write at the close of the 
volume : "We may possibly come, through the thrift of 
the National Council, or otherwise, to have a more visi- 
bly compact and centralized form of church government ; 
we may possibly come to have this without violating the 
principles of Christ's exclusive rulership, of the equality 
and self-control of the individual and of the autonomy 
of the local church. We may possibly find some set and 
formal means for really cultivating and honestly express- 
ing an improved spirit of communion amongst the 
churches. If such an end, through such means, can be 
reached, the end may justify the means." 
* We have the witness of the Christian consciousness 
and the testimony of Christian experience extending 
through eighteen hundred years. Can this inheritance 
of the simple polity from an honored ancestry meet the 
demands of modern society? Or must the structure of 
our independent ecclesiastical system give way before 
the more highly organized polities of sister communions? 
This will depend on many things. Growth signifies 
change. Expansion is the type and sign of life. The 
work of Congregationalism is not yet done. Even 
greater conquest beckons it forward. But, when organi- 
zation is in the air, some decry union effort in the Church ! 



224 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

Centripetal power must be invoked to counteract the 
prevailing, dissipating effects of the hurried modern life. 
The Council has its work, but it cannot do everything. 
It cannot be a panacea for all the ills the churches 
fall heir to. It cannot be a wet-nurse to keep 
alive all infantile projects to which eccentric 
ecclesiastics give birth. It has also^ a place in the 
hearts, the prayers, the work of God's people. That 
place is not one occupied by the local church, or the dis- 
trict conference or the state association. Authority! 
Congregationalists are not afraid of it so long as it is 
legitimately exercised. Law we mu^t have; but we 
would not lose our liberty. The tyranny of bishops and 
the despotism of kings drove our fathers across stormy 
seas. No such evil confronts the churches to-day. In 
the inspiration of a glorious heritage the Pilgrim son 
goes forth undaunted, with grateful heart that he has 
come to the kingdom at such a time as this. Congre- 
gationalism gave law to the Republic and has had no 
mean part in subduing a continent ; it still has a part and 
a place in the advancing interests of the nation. 

The past history of the National Council is secure. It 
has vindicated its right to be and has well-nigh disarmed 
criticism. Mistakes have been made, serious mistakes, — 
but they were not irreparable. What of the future? Be- 
tween the eternities of the past and the future, there is a 
vanishing point we call the present. That alone is ours. 
The Pilgrims were men of lofty purpose and mighty will. 
In the face of the weakness of perpetual disintegration, 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL 225 

they pursued amidst unutterable sacrifice the high ideal 
of faith and practice which they found in the Word of 
God. And with the intensity of conviction born of right- 
eous hope, with the energy of unwavering faith, must 
we, the descendants and heirs of the ancient Pilgrims, go 
up, triennially, to the meeting of the churches. 



CHRONOLOGY OF CONGREGATIONAL 

POLITY 



1527 Francis Lambert's "Paradoxes" published. 

1582 Robt. Browne's "Life and Manners" issued. 

1586 Barrowe & Greenwood in prison in London. 

1588 "Martin Marprelate" Tracts in England. 

1589 Barrowe & Greenwood's "True Description." 
1592 First modern Congregational Church — London. 

1595 Church established in Amsterdam, Holland. 

1596 "A True Confession" published. 

1602 Congregational Church organized in Gainsborough, Eng- 
land. 

1606 Scrooby Church organized. 

1608 Scrooby Church removes to Amsterdam. 

1609 Scrooby Church removes to Leyden. 
i6ii King James Version of Bible published. 
1614 Council held in Amsterdam Church. 
1616 Church organized in South wark. 

1620 Pilgrims sail for America. 

1624 First Puritan emigration. 

1629 Salem Church formed. 

1630 First General Court in Massachusetts. 

1635 Removal to Connecticut. 

1636 Harvard College founded. 

1637 First General Convention. 

1638 New Haven Colony founded. 

1643 Ministers' Conference in Cambridge. 

1643 Westminster Assembly assembles. 

1646 Second General Convention. 

165 1 General Court approves Cambridge Platform. 

1657 Ministers' Conference in Boston. 

1658 General Synod, Savoy Palace, London. 



228 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

1662 Massachusetts Synod, Boston, Approved Half-Way Cove- 
nant. 

1679 Massachusetts (Reforming) Synod, Boston. 

1690 Ministers' Association, Boston, formed. 

1 70 1 Yale founded. 

1705 "Proposals" of Massachusetts' Associations. 

1708 Saybrook (Conn.) Synod, Saybrook Platform. 

1709 General Association of Connecticut formed. 

1725 Attempt of General Court of Massachusetts to call a Synod 
of the Churches. 

1740 Great Revival of Religion. 

1741 Guilford, Connecticut, Synod. Last one called by the State, 
1784 Saybrook Platform ceased to be law. 

1801 Plan of Union adopted. 

1 8 10 American Board organized. First Sunday- School in 
Massachusetts. 

1826 American Home Missionary Society organized. 

1833 Declarations of Faith and Principles of Church Order 
adopted in England. 

1837 General Assembly Presbyterian Church abrogated Plan of 
Union. 

1852 General Convention, Albany, New York — Year Book, Con- 
gregational Library Association, Cong. Church Build- 
ing Society. 

1865 General Convention, Boston. Burial Hill Declaration. 

1871 First Triennial National Council, Oberlin. 

1874 Second Triennial National Council, New Haven. 

1877 Third Triennial National Council, Detroit, Mich. 

1880 Fourthi Triennial National Council, St. Louis, Mo. 

1883 Fifth Triennial National Council, Concord, N. H. 

1886 Sixth Triennial National Council, Chicago, 111. 

1889 Seventh Triennial National Council, Worcester, Mass. 

1891 First International Council, London. 

1892 Eighth Triennial National Council, Minneapolis, Minn. 
1895 Ninth Triennial National Council, Syracuse, N. Y. 

1898 Tenth Triennial Council, Portland, Ore. 

1899 Second International Council, Boston. 

1901 Eleventh Triennial National Council, Portland, Maine. 



230 



THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 



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CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS AND RULES OF 
ORDER OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 



CONSTITUTION 

[Adopted Nov. 17, 187 1] 

The Congregational churches of the United States, by 
elders and messengers assembled, do now associate 
themselves in National Council, — 

To express and foster their substantial unity in doc- 
trine, polity and work ; and 

To consult upon the common interests of all the 
churches, their duties in the work of evangelization, the 
united development of their resources, and their rela- 
tions to all parts of the kingdom of Christ. 

They agree in belief that the Holy Scriptures are the 
sufficient and only infallible rule of religious faith and 
practice, their interpretation thereof being in substantial 
accordance with the great doctrines of the Christian 
faith, commonly called evangelical, held in our churches 
from the early times, and sufficiently set forth by former 
General Councils. 

They agree in belief that the right of government re- 
sides in local churches, or congregations of believers 
who are responsible directly to the Lord Jesus Christ, 
the one head of the Church Universal and of all particu- 
lar churches; but that all churches, being in communion 
one with another as parts of Christ's catholic church, 
have mutual duties subsisting in the obligations of fel- 
lowship. 



^36 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

The churches, therefore, while establishing this Na- 
tional Council for the furtherance of the common inter- 
ests and work of all the churches, do maintain the scrip- 
tural and inalienable right of each church to self-govern- 
ment and administration ; and this National Council shall 
never exercise legislative or judicial authority, nor con- 
sent to act as a council of reference. 

And, for the convenience of orderly consultation, they 
establish the following rules: — 

I. Sessions. — ^The churches will meet in National 
Council every third year. They shall also be convened 
in special session whenever any five of the general State 
organizations shall so request. 

II. Representation. — The churches shall be repre- 
sented, at each session, by delegates, either ministers or 
laymen, appK>inted in number and manner as follows: — 

1. The churches, assembled in their local organiza- 
tions, appoint one delegate for every ten churches in 
their respective organizations, and one for a fraction of 
ten greater than one half, it being understood that wher- 
ever the churches of any State are directly united in a 
general organization, they may, at their option, appoint 
the delegates in such body, instead of in local organiza- 
tions, but in the above ratio of churches so united. 

2. In addition to the above, the churches united in 
State organizations appoint by such body one delegate, 
and one for each ten thousand communicants in their fel- 
lowship, and one for a major fraction thereof; 

3. It being recommended that the number of dele- 



CONSTITUTION 237 

gates be, in all cases, divided between ministers and lay- 
men, as nearly equally as is practicable. Each State or 
local organization may provide in its own way for filling 
vacancies in its delegation. 

4. Such Congregational societies for Christian work 
as may be recognized by this Council, and the faculties 
of Congregational theological seminaries and colleges, 
may be represented by one delegate each, such represen- 
tatives having the right of discussion only. 

III. Oificers. — i. At the beginning of every stated 
or special session, there shall be chosen by ballot, from 
those present as members, a moderator, and one or more 
assistant moderators, to preside over its deliberations. 

2. At each triennial session there shall be chosen by 
a ballot a secretary, a registrar, and a treasurer, to serve 
from the close of such session to the close of the next 
triennial session. 

3. The secretary shall receive communications for 
the Council, conduct correspondence, and collect such 
facts and superintend such publications as may from 
time to time be ordered. 

4. The registrar shall make and preserve the records 
of the proceedings of the Council; and for his aid one or 
more assistants shall be chosen at each session, to serve 
during such session. 

5. The treasurer shall do the work ordinarily belong- 
ing to such office. 

6. At each triennial session there shall be chosen a 
provisional committee, who shall make needful arrange- 



238 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

ments for the next triennial session, and for any session 
called during the interval. 

7. Committees shall be appointed, and in such man- 
ner as may from time to time be ordered. 

8. Any member of a church in fellowship may be 
chosen to the office of secretary, registrar, or treasurer; 
and such officers shall be enrolled as members of the 
Council. 

IV. By-Laws. — The Council may make and alter by- 
laws at any triennial session. 

V. Amendments. — This Constitution shall not be al- 
tered or amended, except at a triennial session, and by 
a two-thirds vote, notice thereof having been given at a 
previous triennial session, or the proposed alteration 
having been requested by some general State organiza- 
tion of churches, and published with the notification of 
the session. 



DECLARATION OF THE UNITY OF THE 

CHURCH 

[Adopted in 187 1] 

The members of the National Council, representing 
the Congregational churches of the United States, avail 
themselves of this opportunity to renew their previous 
declarations of faith in the unity of the Church of God. 

While affirming the liberty of our churches, as taught 
in the New Testament, and inherited by us from our 



DECLARATION OF UNITY 239 

fathers, and from martyrs and confessors of foregoing 
ages, we adhere to this Hberty all the more as affording 
the ground and hope of a more visible unity in time to 
come. We desire and propose to cooperate with all the 
churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In the expression of the same catholic sentiments 
solemnly avowed by the Council of 1865 on the Burial 
Hill at Plymouth, we wish, at this new epoch of our his- 
tory, to remove, so far as in us lies, all causes of sus- 
picion and alienation, and to promote the growing unity 
of counsel and of effort among the followers of Christ. 
To us, as to our brethren, "There is one body and one 
spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling." 

As little as did our fathers in their day, do we in ours, 
make a pretension to be the only churches of Christ. 
We find ourselves consulting and acting together under 
the distinctive name of Congregationalists, because in 
the present condition of our common Christianity we 
have felt ourselves called to ascertain and to do our own 
appropriate part of the work of Christ's Church among 
men. 

We especially desire, in prosecuting the common work 
of evangelizing our own land and the world, to observe 
the common and sacred law, that, in the wide field of the 
world's evangelization, we do our work in friendly co- 
operation with all those who love and serve our common 
Lord. 

We believe in "the holy catholic Church." It is our 
prayer and endeavor that the unity of the Church may 



240 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

be more and more apparent, and that the prayer of our 
Lord for his disciples may be speedily and completely 
answered, and all be one; that by consequence of this 
Christian unity in love, the world may believe in Christ 
as sent of the Father to save the world. 



BY-LAWS 

I. In all its official acts and records, this body shall 
be designated as "The National Council of the Congre- 
gational Churches of the United States." 

II. It shall be understood that the term for which 
delegates to the Council are appointed expires with each 
session, triennial or special, to which they are chosen. 

HI. Statistical secretaries of state and territorial 
bodies, ministers serving the churches entertaining the 
Council, the retiring moderator, and former moderators, 
persons selected as preachers, or to prepare papers or 
to serve upon committees chosen by this body, and mis- 
sionaries in the service of the American Board of Com- 
missioners for Foreign Missions present, shall be entitled 
to all the privileges of members in the session in which 
they are to serve, except that of voting. 

IV. The term "Congregational," as applied to the 
general benevolent societies, in connection with repre- 
sentation in this body, is understood in the broad sense 
of societies whose constituency and control are substan- 
tially Congregational. 



BY-LAWS 241 

V. The provisional committee shall consist of eleven 
persons, the moderator, the secretary, the registrar, and 
the treasurer, ex oMciis, and seven others chosen by the 
Council, including two members of the last previous 
committee ; and four shall be a quorum. 

They shall specify the place and precise time at which 
each session shall begin; shall choose a preacher; may 
select topics regarding the Christian work of the 
churches, and persons to prepare and present papers 
thereon; shall do any work referred to them by the Coun- 
cil; shall name a place for the next triennial Council; 
may fill any vacancy occurring in their own number or 
in any committee or office in the intervals of sessions, 
the persons so appointed to serve until the next session ; 
shall have authority to contract for all necessary expen- 
ditures except such as are required to be made by the 
publishing committee, and to appoint one of their num- 
ber who shall approve and sign all bills for payment ; 
shall appoint any committees ordered but not appointed; 
and committees so appointed shall be entered in the 
minutes as by the action of the Council; shall consult 
the interests of the Council and act for it in said inter- 
vals, subject to the revision of the Council: and shall 
make a full report of all their doings, the consideration 
of which shall be first in order of business after organiza- 
tion. The provisional and publishing committees are 
authorized to meet immediately after the close of the 
session. 

They shall lay out a definite program for the Council, 



242 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

assigning a distinct time, not to be changed except in 
special emergencies, to 

(i) The papers appointed to be read before the Coun- 
cil. 

(2) The standing and ad interim committees appointed 
by one Council to report at the next, who may present 
the topics referred to them for discussion or action. 

(3) The benevolent societies and theological semi- 
naries, when each society and seminary may be heard 
for a specified time, not exceeding twenty minutes, by its 
delegate to the Council. 

All other business shall be set for other specified 
hours, and shall not displace the regular order, except 
by special vote of the Council. 

VI. The sessions shall ordinarily be held in the latter 
part of October, or the early part of November. 

VII. The call for any session shall be signed by the 
chairman of the provisional committee and the secretary 
<of the Council, and it shall contain a list of topics pro- 
]posed by the committee; and the secretary shall season- 
.■ably furnish blank credentials and other needful papers 
±0 the scribes of the several local organizations of 
churches. 

VIII. Immediately after the organization of the 
Council the committee of nominations shall name to the 
body the following committees: — 

1. A committee, including the secretary, on creden- 
tials, who shall prepare a roll of members. 

2. And at their convenience they shall name to the 



BY-LAWS 243 

Council a publishing committee of five, including the 
secretary, registrar and treasurer, who shall seek bids, 
contract for and distribute all publications ordered by 
the Council. 

3. A business committee, to propose a docket for the 
use of the members. Except by special vote of the Coun- 
cil, no business shall be introduced which has not thus 
passed through the hands of this committee. 

4. A finance committee. 

Committees shall be composed of three persons each, 
except otherwise ordered. The .first named member of 
each standing or ad interim committee shall be chairman 
thereof, and shall so continue unless the committee shall 
otherwise provide at a meeting of which every member 
shall have been especially informed. Honorary mem- 
bers shall be eligible to serve on special committees at 
the session; and any member of any Congregational 
church connected with the Council shall be eligible to 
appointment upon any committee to serve after the close 
of the session. 

IX. In the sessions of the National Council, half an 
hour shall every morning be given to devotional services, 
and the daily sessions shall be opened with prayer, and 
closed with prayer or singing. Every morning and 
evening shall be given to meetings of a specifically relig- 
ious rather than business character. 

X. No person shall occupy more than three quarters 
of an hour in reading any paper or report, and no speaker 
upon any motion or resolution, or any paper read, shall 



244 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

occupy more than ten minutes, without the unanimous 
consent of the Council. 

XI. An auditor of accounts shall be appointed at 
every session. 

XII. The Council approves of an annual compilation 
of the statistics of the churches, and of a list of such min- 
isters as are reported by the several State organizations. 
And the secretary is directed to present at each triennial 
session comprehensive and comparative summaries for 
the three years preceding. 

XIII. The Council, as occasion may arise, will hold 
communication with the general Congregational bodies 
of other lands, and with the general ecclesiastical or- 
ganizations of other churches of evangelical faith in our 
own land, by delegates appointed by the Council or by 
the provisional committee. 

XIV. The presiding officers shall retain their offices 
until their successors are chosen, and the presiding mod- 
erator at the opening of the session shall take the chair, 
and the secretary shall at once collect the credentials of 
delegates present, and shall report the names of persons 
representing bodies already in affiliation with the Coun- 
cil, who shall prima facie be the constituency of the same, 
for immediate organization and business. The modera- 
tor shall then name the committee of nominations, sub- 
ject to the approval of the Council, which shall at once 
proceed to the election of its presiding officers. In the 
absence of the moderator and the assistant moderators, 
the provisional committee is authorized to appoint some 



RULES OF ORDER 245 

person to act as moderator of the opening session of the 
Council. 

XV. Such reports from committees, and statements 
from societies or theological seminaries as may be fur- 
nished to the secretary seasonably in advance of the ses- 
sion, may be printed at the discretion of the publishing 
committee, and sent to the members elect together with 
the program prepared by the provisional committee. 
Not more than ten minutes shall be given to the reading 
of any such report. 

XVI. Reports and statements shall not be referred to 
committees except by vote of the Council. 



RULES OF ORDER 

The rules of order shall be those found in common 
parliamentary use, not modified by local legislative prac- 
tice, with the following explicit modifications: — 

I. When a question is under debate, no motion shall 
be received, except the following, namely: to amend, to 
commit, to postpone to a time certain, to postpone in- 
definitely, to lay on the table, and to adjourn, — which 
shall have precedence in the reverse order of this list, 
the motions to lay on the table and to adjourn alone be- 
ing not debatable. But the Council at any time, on the 
motion of one member, seconded by five other members, 
and by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting, 
may order a vote to be taken upon the pending question ; 



246 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

after this is so ordered, the debate shall not be cut off 
for one half hour, provided any member desires to speak ; 
but during that time, no speaker shall speak more than 
five minutes. 

2. No member shall speak more than twice to the 
merits of any question in debate, except by special per- 
mission of the body; nor more than once, until every 
member desiring to speak shall have spoken. 

3. Ordinarily, voting shall be viva voce, or by show 
of hands; but any member may call for a division, in 
which case the number voting on each side shall be 
counted, announced by the Chair, entered in the minutes, 
and published in the printed reports of the proceedings. 

4. If the report of committee contains nothing more 
than matters of fact for information, or matters of argu- 
ment for the consideration of the Council, the question 
is: Shall the report he accepted? and that question, unless 
superseded by a motion to reject, to recommit, to post- 
pone, or to lay upon the table, shall be taken without 
debate. Such a report, if accepted, is placed upon the 
files of the Council, but, not being an act of the Council, 
is not entered on the minutes. 

(a) If the report is in the form of a vote or resolu- 
tion, or of a declaration expressing the judgment or tes- 
timony of the Council, the additional question arises: 
Shall the report he adopted? and motions for amendment 
are in order. Such a report, if adopted, with or without 
amendment, is the act of the Council, and is entered on 
the minutes. 



CHARTER 247 

(b) n a report gives the views of the committee on 
the matter referred to them, and terminates with the 
form of a resolution or declaration in the name of the 
Council, the questions are: Shall the report be accepted? 
and Shall the resolution or declaration be adopted? and 
while the report at large, if accepted, is placed on file, 
that part of it which has become the act of the Council 
is entered on the minutes. 



CHARTER — TRUSTEES OE NATIONAL ' 

COUNCIL 

The following was adopted by the National Council,, 
1886':— 

Whereas, The General Assembly of Connecticut, at its- 
session, January, 1885, passed the following act of incor- 
poration : — 

"Resolution incorporating the Trustees of the National' 
Council of the Congregational Churches of the United. 
States. 

General Assembly, January Session, A. D. 1885. ' 

Resolved by this Assembly, — 

Section i. That Julius H. Seelye, Frederick A. Noble, 
Henry Fairbanks, William M. Taylor, George F. Ma- 
goun, E. S. Jones, Samuel B. Capen, Henry A. Hazen, 
William H. Moore, Lavalette Perrin, and such other per- 
sons as may be associated with them, and their succes- 

^ Minutes, page 18. ' 



248 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

sors, be, and they hereby are, constituted a body politic 
and corporate, under the name of The Trustees of the 
National Council of the Congregational Churches of the 
United States. 

Sect. 2. The object of the corporation is to do and 
promote charitable and Christian work for the advance- 
ment of the general interests of the Congregational 
churches of this country, in accordance with resolutions 
and declarations made from time to time by the National 
Council of the Congregational Churches of the United 
States; and said corporation may cooperate with any 
other societies under the charge and control of churches 
of the Congregational order in the United States. 

Sect. J. Said corporation may acquire, by purchase, 
gift, devise, or otherwise, and hold and dispose of real 
and personal property for the purpose of its creation, not 
exceeding sixty thousand dollars in value, and may make 
any contracts for promoting its objects and purposes 
not inconsistent with law. 

Sect. 4. The said National Council may make rules, 
orders, and regulations for the government of said board 
of Trustees, and said board shall, at all times, be subject 
to the direction and control of said Council. 

Sect. 5. The persons named in the first section of this 
resolution shall be the corporators under this charter, 
until the appointment of Trustees by said National 
Council at its next regular m.eeting, which Trustees, 
when so appointed, shall be the successors of said cor- 
porators, with all the powers conferred upon this corpo^ 



CHARTER 249 

ration, and said Council may fix the number of said Trus- 
tees and their terms of office, and may provide for filling 
vacancies in their number. 

Sect, 6. This act of incorporation shall take effect 
when accepted by a majority of the persons mentioned in 
Section i hereof, and by said National Council at its next 
regular meeting." 

And whereas^ The persons named as corporators have 
unanimously accepted the aforesaid act; 

Resolved, That the same be, and it is hereby, accepted 
by this Council. 

Resolved, That this National Council, by this act, con- 
stitutes and empowers its provisional committee for the 
time being as the Trustees incorporated by the foregoing 
act, who shall have in charge and administer all moneys 
and other values belonging to it, or which may be con- 
tributed, bequeathed, or intrusted to it, limited only by 
their charter, the acts of this Council, or the expressed 
will of the donors. 

Resolved, That these Trustees shall hold office during 
the period of three years, or until their successors are ap- 
pointed. They may choose their own officers; adopt all 
needful rules ; meet from time to time, as there is need ; 
fill vacancies in their number occasioned by resignation 
or disability, during the intervals between the regular 
meetings of the Council; and adopt such measures to se- 
cure the ends of their appointment as seem to them ex- 
pedient. Not less than four members shall constitute a 
quorum at their meetings for business, and they shall 



250 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

keep a full record of all such meetings, and report to this 
body. 

At a meeting of the Trustees, held at Memorial Hall, 
Hartford, Conn., Friday, Feb. 4, 1887, the report of the 
committee appointed by the National Council, Messrs. 
Nathaniel Shipman, Elisha Carpenter, and Charles E. 
Mitchell, of Connecticut, "to prepare by-laws for the 
Trustees of the National Council," was presented, ac- 
cepted, and, after amendment, adopted as follows: — 

BY-LAWS 

1. The officers of the corporation shall be a presi- 
dent, vice-president, eleven directors, or such other 
members as may constitute for the time being, the pro- 
visional committee of the National Council, also a secre- 
tary, treasurer, auditor, and a finance committee of five 
persons, of whom the secretary and treasurer, if mem- 
bers of the corporation, shall be members ex oiHicio, 

All these officers shall be elected by ballot, and shall 
hold their respective offices for the term of three years, 
unless removed by death, disability, or resignation ; that 
is to say, from the time of their election until the first 
meeting of the new Trustees appointed from time to 
time by the National Council at its triennial meetings. 

All officers, except secretary, treasurer, and auditor, 
shall be members of the corporation. 

2. The duty of the president shall be to preside at the 
meetings of the corporation and of the directors ; to ex- 
ercise a general oversight of the affairs of the corpora- 



BY-LAWS OF THE TRUSTEES 251 

tion ; to execute the instructions of the directors, and to 
malce such suggestions to them as he may deem desir- 
able. 

3. The vice-president shall discharge the duties of 
the president in the absence of that officer. 

4. The directors, of whom not less than four shall 
constitute a quorum, shall have the control, direction, 
and management of the property and affairs of the cor- 
poration ; shall regulate salaries ; shall make rules in re- 
gard to the disbursement of money; shall accept devises, 
legacies, and gifts upon the trusts respectively annexed 
to them; shall buy, sell, and convey by their attorney 
appointed for that purpose all real and personal prop- 
erty; shall fill vacancies in their own number and in all 
offices, the appointments so made to be in accordance 
with By-Law i, and to continue until the next meeting 
of tlie corporation; and shall report to the National 
Council. 

5. The secretary shall keep the records of the cor- 
poration, of the directors, and of the finance committee; 
shall conduct the correspondence of the society; shall 
any meeting of either body, which notices shall be sent 
by mail, postage paid, at least ten days before the date 
of the meetings ; shall preserve all important documents ; 
shall conduct the correspondence of the society; shall 
report annually to the directors, and prepare a report to 
the National Council for the directors. 

6. The treasurer shall invest the funds of the corpora- 
tion in accordance with the directions of the directors, or. 



252 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 

in the absence of such directions, in accordance with the 
written approval of the finance committee ; shall have the 
custody of such funds ; shall disburse the same, in accord- 
ance with the rules and votes of the directors ; shall keep 
accurate accounts of his receipts and expenditures, and 
shall make an annual report to the directors. 

He shall give bonds for the faithful performance of his 
trust for the term of three years, and until another person 
is appointed treasurer, in such sum as may be ordered 
from time to time by the directors. 

7. The auditor shall annually, or oftener, in his dis- 
cretion, personally audit and examine the securities be- 
longing to the corporation and the accounts and 
vouchers of the treasurer, and shall report annually to 
the directors. 

8. The finance committee shall meet at least an- 
nually, and more frequently if deemed by them advis- 
able; shall make investments and reinvestments, subject 
to the approval of the directors; shall authorize all dis- 
bursements not specially ordered by the directors or by 
their rules; shall provide methods for the enlargement 
of the funds of the corporation ; and shall have the imme- 
diate and direct management and oversight of the funds 
and financial affairs of the corporation in the intervals 
between the meetings of the directors, to whom they 
shall report annually. 

Special meetings shall be held at the time and place 
named in the call of the chairman. 

9. Other officers and committees may be appointed 



BY-LAWS OF THE TRUSTEES 253 

as the needs of the corporation may demand, and, in the 
intervals between the meetings of the corporation, may 
be appointed by the directors. 

10. A meeting of the corporation shall be held within 
ninety days after the adjournment of the National Coun- 
cil, in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, where all meet- 
ings of this corporation shall be held, at which the offi- 
cers for the ensuing three years shall be chosen. 

Annual meetings of the directors, for the examination 
of accounts, of the reports of the treasurer, secretary, 
auditor, and finance committee, for the allotment and 
distribution of income and for the general work of the 
corporation, shall be held in the month of September in 
each year, at such places as the finance committee pre- 
viously to each meeting shall designate. 

Special meetings of the corporation and of the direc- 
tors shall be held upon the written call of the president 
or of any two members of the corporation addressed to 
the president. Such special meetings of the directors 
shall be held at the place directed by the president. 

The secretary shall be always a resident of the State of 
Connecticut, and the records, when not in use in the 
meetings, shall be kept always in that State. 

11. Any article of these by-laws may be changed or 
amended by a two-thirds vote of the members of the cor- 
poration present at any meeting after the service of one 
month's notice in writing of the proposed change. 



SEP 16 1902 



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